Schematic of The Greenhouse’s roof-mounted community-owned solar electric/photovoltaic system

AIRE Executive Director Steve Owen stands on the roof
of The Greenhouse, next to the newly installed
solar panels. Photo by Owen Gray

• Create 300kWh – 320kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity per month for the 25+ year life of the system
• Prevent 3.2 tons of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere every year.
• Save 1.6 tons of coal from being mined, processed, and disposed of each year.
• Learn more about planning and developing renewable energy in our area
• Begin work towards progressive energy and finance policies here in the High Country
• Help mitigate transition cost for the most vulnerable rate payers
• Dispel misinformation and confusion around renewable energy

The solar electric/photovoltaic system is comprised of 11 216 W (Watt) solar electric panels for a total system power of 2.376 kW (kilowatts). The panels are produced here in the United States by Sharp, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of solar electric/photovoltaic panels. Each 44 pound panel carries a 25-year limited power output warranty and will convert 13.3% of all sunlight collected in to clean green pollution free electricity.

The panels are mounted on the roof of The Greenhouse using a Unirac ballasted racking system. The racks maintain their placement on the roof by the application of weight at their bases, and thus, do not require any roof penetrations. This flexible mounting configuration eases roof maintenance and enables the system to be uninstalled and moved in an uncomplicated fashion.

The system is not yet connected to New River Light and Power’s electrical grid (i.e. grid connected), but we are diligently working with New River Light and Power on a grid interconnection. Once the solar electric system is connected to NRLP transmission system, every watt of electricity produced will be used by The Greenhouse or sold to other homes and businesses in the community requiring electricity. The power production of the system is currently monitored via the Internet.

Coming Soon…

The Greenhouse provides “green” office space for local Boone businesses and is currently in the process of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The LEED and “green” aspects of The Greenhouse include:

• 80% – 100% of all the electricity used by the GreenHouse is provided by a community owned solar electric/photovoltaic system installed on the the office’s roof.
• the renovation and improvement/recycling of an existing building
• extensive day-lighting
• recycled blue jeans insulation & recycled plastic carpeting from milk jugs
• high efficiency HVAC system
• recycled windows from ASU
• no-VOC paints
• locally produced building materials
• construction and carpentry by local builder artisans
• shower facilities for office workers commuting by bike or walking
• low-flow toilets and faucets
• a high efficiency roofing material which provides insulation and reduces summertime building temperatures

For more information about The Greenhouse or the leasing office space therein, click HERE.