U.S. Navy Completes Massive Solar Farm in Mississippi
The U.S. Navy just flipped the switch on a major milestone for clean energy. A 6.5-megawatt solar farm is now fully operational at the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) in Gulfport, Mississippi. This marks a big step toward energy resilience and sustainability for the U.S. military.
Powering Up with the Sun
This new solar array covers 38 acres and can produce more than 10 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. That’s enough to power over 900 homes for a year. Even better, the clean power feeds directly into the NCBC’s energy infrastructure, helping reduce reliance on the regional grid.
The project was delivered in collaboration with the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and the Mississippi Power Company.
Energy Security for Mission Readiness
Energy is a mission-critical resource. By investing in solar power, the Navy ensures reliable, on-site electricity during grid outages or emergencies. It also cuts long-term energy costs and aligns with Department of Defense (DoD) goals to boost energy independence.
“Renewable energy projects like this one help make our bases more resilient,” said a NAVFAC spokesperson. “They protect operations from disruptions while reducing carbon emissions.”
Public-Private Partnership in Action
This Navy Solar Farm project came to life through a power purchase agreement (PPA) between the Navy and Mississippi Power. Under this model, the utility owns and maintains the solar installation, while the Navy benefits from long-term cost savings and green energy access—without upfront capital investment.
These types of collaborations are growing across the Department of Defense. They help speed up renewable energy adoption while allowing the military to focus resources elsewhere.
Navy Solar Farm: Environmental and Economic Wins
All those solar panels and farm is expected to eliminate around 7,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. That’s the same as taking 1,500 cars off the road. It’s also reducing demand on local fossil-fuel-based power sources.
In addition to the environmental gains, construction of the site supported local jobs and highlighted the Gulf Coast region’s growing role in clean energy development.
Navy Solar Farm: A Model for Military Sustainability
This Navy solar farm isn’t just a one-off—it’s part of a bigger shift. The Navy, along with other military branches, is aggressively expanding its clean energy footprint. Projects like the one at NCBC Gulfport set the standard for how military facilities across the country can combine readiness, resilience, and renewables.
As energy demands grow and climate threats rise, solar power helps the Navy stay ready—efficiently and responsibly.
The solar farm integration is made possible through a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA). It will allow the Navy to. Therefore at reduced costs. Totaling an estimated $13 million over the next 20 years.
Story Number: NNS120118-15, Release Date: 1/18/2012 8:52:00 PM A A A
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Cassatt, Public Affairs Center San Diego
“NCBC Gulfport Celebrates Completion of Four Megawatt Solar Facility” — U.S. Navy Press Office article (July 11, 2017), detailing the 4 MW array spanning 15 acres with ~13,000 solar panels .
