Doppler Radar in California Gets
First Solar Array Power System

With the help of a grant of $25,000 from the Department of Energy, NWS Western Region has installed a photovoltaic solar power system at the San Diego (Miramar), California Doppler Weather Radar (photo above courtesy John Meyers, San Diego Electronics Technician). This is the first of this type of system installed on any NWS radar facility. The new system is capable of providing up to one-third of the maximum electrical capacity required by the radar. A second system is under consideration for the radar site in Sacramento, CA. Below, Vicki Nadolski, Director, NWS Western Region, and Dan Keeton, Meteorologist-In-Chage, San Diego forecast office, pose near the new solar panels (photo below courtesy Michael Lauderdale, Electronic Systems Analyst, San Diego).