12/4/2009 9:55:00 PM
Prescott Library installs new solar-power system
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The Daily Courier
PRESCOTT - The solar-power system that officials say should save nearly $1,000 per month in energy bills for the Prescott Public Library became operational this week.
A press release from the library points out that the 63 solar panels on the library's roof came online on Wednesday.
The Prescott City Council approved the $54,491 system in April, after hearing that the solar system would bring down the library's average $7,000 monthly utility bill by about $956 per month.
This week, Library Director Toni Kaus called the system "a win-win for the environment and for taxpayers," adding that the library would "see monthly savings from lower energy costs, and the environment will benefit from our smaller carbon footprint."
Kaus has pointed out that because the library is open every day of the week, utility bills tend to run high - covering heating and cooling, as well as power for
lights and computer systems.
The library points out that in just the first two days of operation, the panels produced enough energy to power 480 light bulbs or 158 computers for a day.
A webpage at http://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/Carh1691 tracks the energy production of the library.
EV Solar Products of Chino Valley won the bid to install the 8.2-kilowatt solar panel system on the rooftop of the library.
Overall, the solar-panel system is expected to generate about 18,000 kilowatt hours per year.
"We view this as a demonstration project, as well as a practical use of our abundant Arizona sunshine," Kaus said.
To help the system grow, the Friends of the Library group is encouraging donations earmarked "solar."
"For each $1,000 (in donations), we will add a new panel and micro-inverter, and further reduce the library's dependence on fossil fuels," Kaus said.
The original $54,491 for the system came from Yavapai County Library District property tax revenue, which must go toward library automation and special projects.
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Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2009
Article comment by:
To Tom Delong
I have been to the library and am quite fond of it. It is 3 stories by the way. I still can't see why they are using $7,000 worth of electricity (probaly misspelled).
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
Tom Delong
You obviously have never been to the library. That two story building is huge! There are over 100 computers, there are lights heating and cooling ect. The city does not control what APS charges for electricity. Let's get some more panels.
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
A win for the enivronment? Yeah, because that whole global warming thing turned out to be scam. Big surprise. Bing or google climategate.
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009
Article comment by:
No name provided
$7,000 a month? Could that possibly be right? What are they doing in the library that would consume that much energy?
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