# Navy Solar Farm Construction Completed

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/navy-solar-farm-construction-completed/
- Published: 2019-11-27T00:47:39-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## 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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/north-haven-celebrates-solar-array-installed-at-north-haven-high-school/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/naval-base-san-diego-leading-the-way-in-sustainability/),
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.

![High-resolution photo of a U.S. Navy solar farm with rows of blue solar panels
in front of a beige military building, surrounded by pine trees under a clear blue
sky.](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/D5EAEA60-0EF2-
47FA-932F-9AE59E66A961.png?resize=736%2C736&quality=50&ssl=1)

Ai image

### Energy Security for Mission Readiness

Energy is a mission-critical resource. By investing in [solar](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/10/navy-energy-program-goes-blue-to-green/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/how-to-incorporate-eco-friendly-living-into-your-apartment/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/navy-building-energy-sustainable-infrastructure-for-the-future/)
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](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/01/optimizing-solar-farms-with-smart-drones/)
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](https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2254434/ncbc-gulfport-celebrates-completion-of-four-megawatt-solar-facility/)
with ~13,000 solar panels  .