Leipzig Lizards!

World's Largest Solar Energy Plant Planned for Germany

The world's largest solar energy plant -- projected to meet the power demands of some 1,800 households -- will soon start soaking up rays outside the eastern German town of Leipzig this year. The $27 million plant, to be built by the Royal Dutch/Shell's Solar Group, will contain 33,500 solar modules and have an output capacity of five megawatts. "The station will help to save some 3,700 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year," said a Shell spokesperson. The German government offers subsidies to producers of renewable power. Although solar production is ramping up in the country, it still accounts for less than 1 percent of total energy usage there.