The Locke family runs a high-end cotton operation in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. The Locke’s AquaMax™ system supplies power to run a 50 hp irrigation pump and a 10 hp well pump. The system is also tied in to the electrical supply for the shop and main residence. The installation was completed in December 2002. The 38kW PV array generates an average of 179 kW hrs/day of electricity, which can either be used in combination with the electric grid or, in the event of a grid outage, can power the irrigation pump to ensure adequate irrigation on hot, dry days.

In Business – USING INNOVATIVE SOLAR SYSTEMS IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING – features the DT Locke Ranch: http://www.jgpress.com/inbusiness/archives/_free/001087.html