WSMR installs army's largest solar array

A missile range in southern New Mexico is now home to the U.S. Army's largest solar energy-producing system. 

Army officials gathered at White Sands Missile Range on Wednesday morning to dedicate the $16.8 million array of more 15,000 solar panels spread across 42 acres. 

The system is capable of producing 10 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. That's enough to meet about 10 percent of the military installation's electricity needs. 

Garrison Commander Col. Leo Pullar says New Mexico, with its sunny climate, is an ideal site. He says the project is part of the Army's commitment to go green. 

Federal directives call for at least 7.5 percent of an installation's total electricity consumption to include renewable energy. The Defense Department has also set a voluntary goal of 25 percent by 2025.

WSMR installs army's largest solar array