Xcel Energy High Bridge Natural Gas Power Plant
Innovative Power Systems installed this 9.8kW solar electric tracking system in St. Paul, Minnesota in 2008 as part of the new Xcel Energy High Bridge natural gas power plant. Trackers are great for locations with very little shading and can increase the output by up to 40% compared to a fixed system. The system produces about 15,000kWh of electricity on average per year. Producing 15,000kWh of electricity annually from coal emits about 30,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. Preventing this much carbon dioxide from being released to the atmosphere is equivalent to adding 1,500 trees to our forests. Over a 30-year span, IPS expects this system will offset 900,000 pounds or 450 tons of carbon dioxide.