Va. Guard breaks ground for new solar array

The Virginia National Guard conducts a formal ceremony Oct. 14, 2014, to break ground on the new solar array that will provide power and energy security to the 183rd Regiment, Regional Training Institute at Fort Pickett, Va. The new $2.2 million, 488 kilowatt solar array will be a 10,000 square yard solar field consisting of nearly 2,000 individual solar panels and will provide the RTI with nearly 80 percent of its daytime energy needs. This field is estimated to produce 712,000 kilowatt hours per year and will be installed adjacent to the RTI campus. Additionally, the project has a guaranteed return of investment exceeding $2.6 million over 25 years.(Photo by Staff Sgt. Terra C. Gatti, Virginia Guard Public Affairs)