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Established in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society is the nation’s leading association of solar professionals and advocates. Together with our members we’re building a solar-powered, energy efficient nation. But, we can’t do it without solar supporters like you. Will you JOIN US ?
October 1st, 2011, from 10:00am - 2:00pm, come visit the Tomkins Cove Library to see their amazing solar array, and to meet with library staff and members of the Alteris Renewables team.
Tomkins Cove Library, Rockland County NY’s first library to go solar, is hosting a stop on this year’s National Solar Tour. The library, built in 1874, has a ground mounted solar array on the property behind their historic building. The 60 solar panels face due south, which allows for optimal energy production.
The solar panels produce about 17,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually, and offset about 70% of the library’s electric bills.
The library had an upfront cost of $20,000. State grants covering the remaining cost of the library's $117,000 solar panel installation: $69,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and $28,167 from the state Public Library Construction Grant program. With an annual savings on utility bills of $2,800, that brings the solar installation’s payback period to just over 7 years (or sooner, if the utility rates continue to rise).
Sera, the star of "4 year old explains solar power" (filmed at the Tomkins Cove Library), will be onsite to answer your solar questions...along with her dad, Glenn, who is a member of the Alteris Renewables' team.
Hope to see you there!