Thanks to a combination of ARRA 2009 funding and a U.S.A. Federal Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant and a significant solar rebate through Alameda Municipal Power, the Alameda Free Library is going solar. The installation phase proceeded with a crane lifting 286 Sharp 235 solar panels to the roof on Friday, March 25 at the main public library located at 1550 Oak Street in the City of Alameda, CA.
The Alameda City Council awarded solar pioneer Sun Light & Power the contract to design and install this system as part of a major renovation project. When completed, this 67.2 kW DC system is expected to generate over 90,000 kWh of electricity every year, which is the equivalent of offsetting nearly 110,000 lbs. of CO2 or the greenhouse emissions from 12 passenger cars every year. The entire renovation project has earned the prestigious LEED Silver Certification. Energy Savings
Live Feedback of Energy Savings
The Main Library is taking advantage of an added benefit that installing solar provides. Visitors will be able to see how much energy the rooftop system is producing via a live touch screen monitor mounted in the Library Lobby, offering an active learning opportunity about renewable energy and how it can make a significant and positive difference in a community’s energy consumption and resultant carbon footprint.
About the City of Alameda and Go Green Initiatives
Dating back to 2008, the City of Alameda has adopted many programs to take the city in a “green” direction. In February of 2008, the City Council adopted a Resolution setting a greenhouse gas reduction goal of 25% below the 2005 baseline level. The City Council also adopted the Local Action Plan for Climate Protection. In 2009, Alameda joined the East Bay Green Corridor, a partnership of cities, universities, community college districts, and Lawrence Berkeley National Lab to develop and expand the regional green economy. In recent years, the City has worked to promote and implement a number of strategies to reduce both the City’s and the community’s carbon footprint. For more information, visit City of Alameda Go-Green.
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