KTAO Solar Radio - Picuris Peak - 10kw

The K-TAOS transmitter power utilizes a photovoltaic system, which was installed in 1991 by Paradise Power Company. K-TAOS transmits up to 50,000 watts from atop Picuris Peak at an elevation of 10.800 feet. This unusual application of solar technology has received national and international attention (NBC, CNN, BBC, MTV, etc.) The transmitter is powered by an array of 140 photovoltaic panels. Photovoltaic cells are silicon wafers that convert sunlight into direct (DC) current. Each panel in the 50 x 50 foot array generates 32 kilowatts per day. This electricity is stored in a 6000 amp/hour battery bank and housed in a self sustaining "Earthship", which is made of recycled dirt-filled tires, aluminum cans, bottles and cement. The system has performed flawlessly since it went on-line on Thanksgiving 1991. It now reaches a population of over 150,000 people across a 40-mile radius. The transmitter extends to Taos, Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Mora and Santa Fe counties. There are nearly 10 kilowatts worth of photovoltaic power, feeding off 40 Surrette 6-CS-25PS feeding power to the World’s Most Powerful Solar Radio Station! For more information, please go to: www.ktao.com