Ann Arbor adds more solar panels to Vets Park, Fire Station 6

Wednesday, June 23, 2010 | Source: Concentrate

The sun will be shining in the city of Ann Arbor over the next few months.

Andrew Brix, energy programs manager for the city of Ann Arbor, says two more projects are lined up for this summer, in addition to the city's three outdoor pools being heated with solar energy. As a part of the Solar America Cities grant, Veteran's Pool's solar shade structure will have installed photovoltaic panels, the power from which will be fed into the building to contribute to electricity use.

The other project is two in one: Fire Station 6, near Briarwood Mall, will have a new solar hot water system and a photovoltaic system for providing solar electric. "We don't have that many opportunities to use hot water in city facilities," he says. "At the fire station, with the crew living there, there's plenty of hot water use for showers and washing equipment and things like that."

Among the things to be considered when installing solar panels, Brix says, is whether the site has a good view of the sun, and if there is any opportunity for educating others, which is the case at both the fire station and the pool.

"It is very exciting to have these opportunities to demonstrate any viable, renewable energy technology," he adds.

Source Andrew Brix, energy programs manager for the city of Ann Arbor
Writer: Kristin Lukowski