2010: Alta Wind Energy Center
Innovation: Alta Wind Energy Center
Location: Kern County, CA
Year: 2010
By: Terra-Gen Power
Alta Wind Energy Center is a wind farm located near the Tehachapi Mountains in Kern County, California. It has a combined installed capacity of 1020 MW and a maximum capacity of 3000 MW, but its annual production is approximately 1,548 MW, making it the largest wind farm in the United States [confirmed 2021]. [1] The Center could generate energy for 600,000 homes in the Southern California area, and in 2006, before construction even started, Southern California Edison agreed to but 1,550 megawatts over 25 years, which is one of the largest power purchase agreements ever. [2]
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History of Innovation 
David, – Many many more than 7 turbines……….(looks like 290 total)
read from WikiPedia:
The original “Alta-Oak Creek Mojave Project” plans consisted of up to 320 wind turbines occupying a 9,000-acre (36 km2) area while producing 800 MW of power.[4] According to the American Wind Energy Association, two initial projects were completed in fall 2010, the 150 MW Alta II (Vestas) project using
50
3 MW generators and the 150 MW Alta I project using
100
1.5 MW generators.[5] Three subsequent projects 150 MW Alta III, 102 MW Alta IV, and 168 MW Alta V projects were completed in the 2nd quarter of 2011 using
50,
34, and
56
3-MW Vestas V-90 wind turbines. Alta VIII and Alta VI projects, comprising 300 MW’s, were completed in late 2011/early 2012. Alta VII and IX, comprising 300 MW’s (bringing the total to 1320 MW’s) are currently in construction.[6]
GB
October 11, 2012 at 9:21 pm