California Academy of Sciences Goes Solar
Sep 26, 2008–Open Energy Corporation (OTC BB: OEGY.OB), a renewable energy company focused on delivering building integrated photovoltaic solutions, announced that it has completed its largest solar electric installation for the new California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. Designed especially for the Academy by Open Energy and manufactured by Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. (NYSE: STP), [This project debut is not helping Suntech's stock price, which is down over 11% so far today] a leading manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) cells and modules, the project features 720 4 x 6 ft glass panels embedded with photovoltaic cells. The panels will be arranged in a solar canopy around the Academy’s 197,000 sq ft roof and will be one of the largest photovoltaic glass canopies in the USA. The solar installation will be a key factor in the Academy’s attempt to achieve LEED Platinum certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) from the U. S. Green Building Council. The museum is to open on September 27.
The solar panels will complement the design of the Academy, forming a decorative rim around the building’s 197,000 sq ft living roof, which is home to 1.7 million native plants. The Starphire® Ultra Clear Glass for the project was provided by PPG Industries. The solar cells will generate 213,000 kwh of energy/yr, providing up to 10% of the Academy’s electricity need and preventing the release of 405,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. The system is already in the operational phase and has provided approximately 850 kwh/day for the last month.
