California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco has completed its solar electric installation, a solution provided by Open Energy Corp. The 720 glass panels embedded with photovoltaic cells are expected to generate 213,000 kilowatt-hours of energy per year, or 10 percent of the Academy's electricity need.
The solar installation was designed and manufactured by Suntech Power Holdings Co. The panels will be arranged in a solar canopy around the Academy's 197,000-square foot roof and is being touted as one of the largest photovoltaic glass canopies in the U.S. The system is expected to prevent the release of 405,000 pounds of GHG emissions.
Open Energy Corp. says the solar installation will be a key factor in the Academy's attempt to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
