Wilton Library Association has installed a new modular solar station on the roof of the library. The solar station from NXGSolar LLC in Norwalk streamlines the procedure of installing solar panels. The solar station is a 350 watt unit, consisting of two solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, two inverters, and all the wiring required to link the system to the building’s power system. One unit can produce sufficient energy to power 40 energy-efficient light bulbs.
Wilton Library Association expects to expand by adding additional modules as funds for the project are increased. The roof of the library can accommodate 200 solar station modules, which could produce 90% of the library’s yearly electricity needs and save the library $100,000 per year in energy costs.
Visitors to the library can learn more about the solar panels through a touch-screen kiosk in the library entry, which guide visitors through the advantages of solar with connects to the live data and an overview of the solar station.
The advantages of solar are compelling, according to Dale Hollingsworth, NXGSolar’s president, “There are so many reasons to embrace solar energy. First of all, solar doesn’t pollute — no acid rain, no greenhouse gases, and no toxic metals, compared to all the fossil-fuel burning methods of generating electrical energy. There are no moving parts, so solar panels last a long time: up to thirty years. They don’t burn fuel, they use sunlight. Not only is the sun a renewable resource, nobody owns it, which is why solar energy should be an important part of our national energy security policy. And of course, solar energy is one sector where we’ll see some job growth in the coming years.”
“We are thrilled that we’ve taken this first step in solar energy at the library,” noted Kathy Leeds, executive director of Wilton Library. “The possibility of making the library almost completely energy-efficient over time is very exciting. We’ve been exploring this direction for some time; this donation of the first panels from NXGSolar turns our vision into more of a reality.”
Mike Lindberg, chairman of Wilton Energy commission, said, “This sets-up a win-win situation. There is an education component to long-term energy strategies and with the library as a focal point for the community everyone benefits from the learning. As more panels are added to the library over time, the building becomes a sustainable entity unto itself with the community gaining the benefit of the cost savings of solar power. It’s encouraging to see a major facility take this step in Wilton.”
Many exclusive features make the solar station a feasible solar energy solution for the library:
— The modular design of the solar station means the project can be specified, designed, and implemented faster than standard solar installations. Designed for roof or ground mounts, there is no special wiring or customization needed. The module comes pre-assembled and once it is connected, additional units can be attached in a quick “daisy chain” process. “It’s as close to plug-and-play as you can get,” says Hollingsworth.
— There is no requirement to penetrate or modify the roof. The solar station comes with a unique ballast system that anchors the module in place. An aluminum tank is filled with biodegradable liquid and the weight anchors the module against strong winds of up to 100 million per hour. This feature not only saves time and money in installation, but makes it easy to accommodate a roof repair or a move in site.