The new system is part of a long-range plan to update and improve the arboretum grounds. Future plans include installing a larger solar collector near the National Capitol Columns and solar shingles on the Arbor House, which houses the gift shop and visitor restrooms.
The installation of the new system marked the end of a week-long workshop conducted by students and faculty from Alfred State College of the State University of New York. The workshop attended by arboretum staff, contractors and homeowners, provided hands-on instruction on how to construct and use the system and its many benefits.
The Nursery 5 conducts research aimed at the development of improved trees for landscape use. Because of the nursery’s remote location, installing solar panels was less expensive than running an electrical line from the main power source, around a half mile away. As a result, the arboretum will see immediate savings on costs.
The new project is a staff-driven effort to reduce energy costs and conserve resources. The new system took less than one year to complete. Arboretum Director Tom Elias first met Alfred State representatives during the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Bio Energy Awareness Days (BEAD II) exhibition held at the arboretum June 2008. The meeting led to a five-year cooperative agreement to develop and install green technologies that will help the arboretum reduce its carbon footprint.
The arboretum’s new system serves as a model for more energy-efficient landscape gardening. The solar power can be used in urban and suburban areas and is applicable to all types of power systems. The gardeners can use it to power water features, such as fountains and waterfalls, and irrigation systems.
ARS is the principal intramural scientific research agency of the USDA.
