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The Sun Shines Bright and Early on Government Roofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
By Patrinia Eiffert, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Federal Leadership Evident in Year 2000Achievement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
By Anne Sprunt Crawley, Federal Energy Management Program, and Peter Dreyfuss, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
Million Solar Roofs Initiative Awardees . . . . . . 3
Federal Solar Energy Champions Recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Fall 2000 — Vol. 3, No. 2
A technical bulletin for Federal solar energy champions
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U.S. Department of EnergyFederal Energy Management Program
This issue of Save with Solar recognizesthe outstanding contributions of the agenciesand individuals who have enabled the gov-ernment to meet its goal of installing 2,000solar energy systems on Federal roofs by theyear 2000 – and to do so 6 months ahead ofschedule. In conjunction with Earth Day 2000and Soltech, the Federal Renewable EnergyWorking Group held a special award cere-mony in Washington, DC, in April to honorthese solar energy champions. They repre-sent the thousands of Federal employeeswho are working hard to use cleaner energysystems and to improve our environment.
A recent survey by the NationalRenewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) indi-cates that more than 2,000 solar and relatedrenewable energy systems are now in placein government facilities, which includeeverything from modern office buildings,military base housing, laboratories, andschools to visitor centers and ranger stationsin the national parks. This achievement rep-resents a Federal investment of more than$10 million in solar energy systems over thepast three years. In addition, these projectsare offsetting more than 16,000 MBtu ofenergy from fossil fuels each year and signif-icantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
How the goal was metIn Executive Order 13123, President
Clinton formally directed Federal agencies toinstall 2,000 solar systems on the roofs ofGovernment buildings by 2000 and 20,000systems by 2010 in support of the nationalMillion Solar Roofs Initiative. This initiativewas established in 1997 to encourage busi-nesses, communities, and the Government toinstall solar systems on one million U.S.rooftops by 2010.
The Department of Energy (DOE) leadsthis initiative by working with partners inthe building industry, local and state govern-ments, the solar industry, electricityproviders, and others to develop environ-mentally sound solar energy technologies.The initiative includes two types of solartechnologies: photovoltaic systems, whichproduce electricity when sunlight strikessolar cells, and solar thermal systems, whichproduce heat for domestic hot water, spaceheating, and swimming pool heating.
DOE’s Federal Energy ManagementProgram (FEMP) coordinates Federal agen-cies’ participation in the Million Solar RoofsInitiative. FEMP helps agencies choose andacquire solar energy systems by providingtechnical assistance as well as opportunities
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Future competitions between the tortoise and the hare
The Sun Shines Bright and Early on Government RoofsBy Patrina Eiffert, Editor, National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Federal Leadership Evident inYear 2000 AchievementBy Anne Sprunt Crawley, Federal Energy ManagementProgram, and Peter Dreyfuss, Office of Energy Efficiencyand Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy
It is a credit, not just to the Department ofEnergy, but to all the Federal agencies thathave worked so hard to achieve this goal,that more than 2,000 solar systems wereinstalled in Federal facilities six monthsahead of schedule. This achievement meanswe have exceeded the President’s call in1997 for a "down payment" of 2,000 Federalsolar roofs by the end of 2000, and 20,000 bythe end of 2010, as part of the Million SolarRoofs Initiative.
The individuals and Federal agencies thathave made this down payment possible canrest assured that it will help to reduce theirconventional energy costs, increase our energy security, and create new jobs. Thisachievement also serves as a big down pay-ment on a future in which people’s healthand the environment have priority. Byreplacing or augmenting conventional
energy systems with 2,000 solar systems, agencies are reducing thegreenhouse gas emissions associatedwith traditional energy systems. It isestimated that installing 1,000,000solar roofs by 2010 will reduce energy-related carbon emissions as much as if we removed at least850,000 cars from our roadways.
We are pleased to be part of thisspecial issue of Save with Solar recognizing the outstanding effortsof the solar energy championsdescribed here, as well as the sup-port and commitment of their homeagencies. They also represent hun-dreds of other Federal, state, andlocal government employees whoare making a very important investment inthe future of our nation. The Department ofEnergy and the Federal Energy ManagementProgram are prepared to continue to do allwe can to help the government meet orexceed its solar roofs goal for 2010. Together,through this good work, we are making adifference. ■
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to contract with local energy providers.Agencies can also purchase solar and otherrenewable energy systems directly from theGeneral Services Administration (GSA) sup-ply schedules. GSA works with FEMP tomake solar products more readily available.The GSA supply list currently includes bothphotovoltaic and solar thermal systems.
Who uses solarSolar thermal systems are the most popularsolar technology today; they heat or preheatwater by means of dark-colored panels thatcapture the warmth of the sun. The chiefFederal user of solar water heating systems is the U.S. Navy in the Departmentof Defense. The Navy has been particularlyactive in installing solar water heaters on the rooftops of base housing, especially inHawaii. There, abundant sunshine and highutility costs make solar energy a practicalchoice, and payback periods can be less than7 years. The Navy has installed more than1,300 solar systems to date and plans to installat least 300 more by the end of the year.
The next largest Federal solar energy useris the State Department, which has installedmore than 360 solar energy systems on gov-
ernment residences overseas. The majority of them are in India, Israel, and Namibia. Inaddition to solar heating, the government isalso deploying state-of the-art building-integrated photovoltaic power systems onfacilities like the GSA Williams Building inBoston, Massachusetts. And new photovoltaicsystems are in evidence in many of our nationalparks. Under this initiative, the governmenthas installed more than one-half megawattof photovoltaic power systems to date.
Other agencies that contributed to theyear 2000 milestone are the Departments ofAgriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior,Justice, and Transportation, as well as theEnvironmental Protection Agency, theFederal Emergency Management Agency, the National Science Foundation, and theUnited States Postal Service. NASA and theSmithsonian Institution are also developingsolar projects to be installed this year.Together, these agencies are helping toreduce atmospheric emissions of greenhousegases by more than 4,700 tons of carbondioxide, 13,000 lb of nitrous oxide, and21,000 lb of sulfur dioxide every year.
What lies aheadContinuing support for this Initiative willensure that the year 2010 goal is met, both ingovernment and in the larger community. In
the long term, we anticipate that the MillionSolar Roofs Initiative will accomplish the following:
Reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases andother emissions. In 2010, with one millionsolar energy roofs in place, the Initiativecould reduce carbon emissions in an amountequivalent to the annual emissions from850,000 car.
Create high-technology jobs. By 2010,approximately 70,000 new jobs could be created as a result of the increased demandfor photovoltaic energy systems, solar waterand space heating, and related energy systems.
Keep the U.S. solar energy industry competi-tive. By increasing the domestic market forsolar energy, spurring domestic production,and reducing the per-unit cost of solar ener-gy systems, the Initiative should enable U.S.companies to retain their competitive edgein world markets. By 2005, the photovoltaicmarket alone is expected to exceed $1.5 bil-lion worldwide.
The long-term economic, environmental,and energy security benefits of theseachievements will be worth every dollar we invest, and more. ■
TH E SU N SH I N E S BR I G H T A N D EA R LY(Continued from p. 1)
National Park Sevice staff in front of a modular,prefabricated portable energy shed, which includes aphotovolatic power system with an integrated proponegenerator, at Ainahou Ranch in Volacanoes National Parkin Hawaii. This project was co-funded by DOE FEMP andHawaii Electric Light Company, Inc.
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DE PA RT M E N T O F CO M M E R C EAwardee: Herman Chan, National Oceanic AtmosphericAdministration ([email protected])
Thanks in large part to Herman Chan’s leadership, the PacificTsunami Warning Center in Hawaii has installed passive solarwater heaters on six staff residences. These solar water-heating systems were designed to meet at least 90% of the yearly demandfor hot water. The systems save between $200 and $300 in energycosts each month, so the simple payback period for the project isonly 2.73 years. The annual savings (approximately $3,000) resultingfrom this solar water heating project will go toward the purchase ofmuch-needed weather radar equipment and satellites, providefunding for research, and help in hiring additional staff.
DE PA RT M E N T O F DE F E N S EAwardee: Bryan Young, U.S. Air Force ([email protected])
Bryan Young continually seeks opportunities for innovation. Hehelped not only his Federal facility but also his community when heinstalled 21 solar water heaters on military housing units at HickamAir Force Base in Hawaii. The solar water heaters supply more than40% of the energy needed to provide hot water to the housing units,saving 92,000 kWh annually. Added to these energy savings areannual carbon emissions savings of more than 27 metric tons. Thesolar water heaters also provide working examples of renewableenergy not only to resident personnel but also to visitors to the base.
Awardees: John Campos, COMNAVREG Hawaii, Navy Aloha Center; Alan Ikeda, PACDIV Housing Department([email protected]); and Eric Kawamoto, PACDIV Utilities, U.S. Navy
The Navy recognizes a winning combination when it sees one.And three leaders in particular are making a difference when itcomes to saving energy and reducing pollution on naval bases.High utility costs combined with an excellent solar resource makesites like Moanalua Terrace in Oahu, Hawaii, a perfect location forsolar energy, and the Navy housing units located there are now tak-ing full advantage of that potential. The Navy is also making good use of a $1500 per-system rebate offered by the Hawaiian ElectricCompany. Three detachments (PACDIV Utility, PACDIV Housing,and the Navy Aloha Center) led the effort to install more than 1,000solar water heating units. Each solar system at Moanalua Terraceoffsets about 1.7 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 8.2 pounds ofsulfate emissions, and 11.2 pounds of nitrate emissions each year. Solar water heaters on staff residences at the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in
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Million Solar Roofs Initiative AwardeesThese individuals and Federal agencies were recognized for their outstanding contributions
to the Million Solar Roofs Initiative over the past three years. The Federal agencies are listed alphabetically, and the names of associated awardees follow.
See page 12 for a photo of the solar champions.
Solar water heating units at Moanalua Terrace in Oahu, Hawaii
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Solar water heater on military housing at Hickman AFB, Hawaii
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Awardee: Ming Truong, U.S. Navy ([email protected])
Ming Truong has been a leader in several solar energy projects in the Department of Defense, including the installation of a solarpool heating system at the Navy Public Works Center (PWC), solarwater heating systems at the Naval Surface Warfare center, and atranspired solar collector at Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia. Ming'ssupport for renewable energy will save the Navy more than $75,000annually; each year, the system at the PWC saves $23,070, theNorfolk system saves $44,000, and the Naval Surface Warfare sys-tems save more than $8,500. Ming has also worked with the FederalEnergy Management Program to ensure receipt of competitive ser-vices and expert facility maintenance and management strategies.These efforts not only save money and energy, they also preventcarbon dioxide emissions on the order of 200 million tons annually.
Awardee: Dick Walsh, U.S. Marines ([email protected])
Dick Walsh claimed his place at the forefront of energy savingsinitiatives by championing the installion of new solar water heating collectors at Camp Pendleton. Replacing an older solar system, the new collectors save the Marine Corps approximately4.5 million Btu per day, for a total of 1,768 million Btu annually. The polymer collectors that replaced the old copper collectors havea 10-year warranty and can withstand the high concentrations of
chemicals in the pool water. These energy savings translate to annual cost savings of $10,607 for his facility, and an annual carbonemissions avoidance of nearly 29 million tons.
DE PA RT M E N T O F EN E R G YAwardee: Bob Parkins, Western Area Power Administration([email protected])
Bob Parkins played a key role in the effort to install 2-kW proto-type photovoltaic (PV) units in each of four Western Area PowerAdministration regional offices in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, andCalifornia. Recognizing the importance of showcasing new renew-able energy technologies to help them become more economicallyviable, Bob had several goals for the prototype installations. Theunits are cost-effective, saving $7,070 and 17,632 gallons of dieselfuel annually as well as avoiding 5.3 metric tons of carbon emis-sions every year. However, the value of the prototype systems doesnot lie entirely in their cost and energy savings performance. Theseunits have high public visibility because of Western’s 650-firm utili-ty and Federal agency customer base, and thus they help to educatethe public about renewable energy.
Awardee: Cherylynne Williams, DOE Headquarters([email protected])
Cherylynne is responsible for all Forrestal and Germantown photovoltaic projects, including the popular Earth Day Park. Thesuccess of the 3-kW system located on the Forrestal building and the upcoming sunwall system will be a direct result of her patience,enthusiasm, and persistence in collaborating with DOE and theDistrict of Columbia, the National Council on Preservation, theWashington Fine Arts Commission, the General ServicesAdministration, and Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) toobtain the permits and permissions needed. Without Cherylynne,these projects either would have been greatly delayed or might nothave happened at all.
2-kW prototype photovoltaic (PV) unit at Western Area Power Administration facility in California
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Solar pool heating system at the Navy Public Works Center in Virginia
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Solar heated swimming pool at Camp Pendleton in Southern California
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DE PA RT M E N T O F T H E IN T E R I O RAwardee: Kyril Calsoyas, Working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs([email protected])
Another shining example of the many ways that solar energy can benefit a community was made possible through the work ofKyril Calsoyas. Working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Seba Dalkai School in Seba Dalkai, Arizona, Kyril led the effort toinstall a 4.0-kW building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar out-door classroom. In keeping with Navajo building tradition, theinstallation is designed to be cost effective and efficient, and to com-plement "hogan" style architecture. Not only will the PV systemsave on energy costs, it will help to prevent the power blackoutsand brownouts common to Seba Dalkai, which cause continualproblems for the school's computer-based curriculum. The newschool building will serve as both an outdoor classroom and ahands-on laboratory for training in the use of building-integratedphotovoltaic energy systems.
Awardee: Bill Coursey, Bureau of Indian Affairs([email protected])
Bill Coursey formed a very special alliance under a DOE EnergySavings Performance Contract to provide both renewable energy,energy efficiency, and a unique educational opportunity to theBureau of Indian Affairs Sherman Indian High School. A 6.9-kW PVsystem will be connected to the power grid on the school's campusin Riverside, California. The PV system will be used as an educa-tional resource for high school science classes as well as to helptrain Native Americans employed there in system operation andmaintainance. In addition to saving energy and money and reduc-ing any adverse environmental impacts caused by the school, thePV system will provide an opportunity for many people to expandtheir career horizons into the field of 21st Century renewable energytechnologies.
Awardee: Bob McNicols, Bureau of Indian Affairs([email protected])
Bob McNicols has led the efforts of the Bureau of Indian Affairsto install three PV systems at Federal facilities in Supai, Arizona.The systems, installed on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, servethe needs of the local community by providing electricity to suchfacilities as the Havasupai School, a jail, and a government fourplex,which includes housing for teachers and police officials. Utility andmaintenance cost savings resulting from the renewable power willbe directed to new community and economic development activi-ties. With these projects, Bob has proven the merits of solar energy,not only in terms of energy and cost savings, but in benefits to thecommunity.
Sunwall PV system at the Forrestal building in Washington, DC
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A 4-kW building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar outdoor classroom at the SebaDalkai School in Arizona
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PV systems at Federal facilities in Supai, Arizona
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Awardee: Trent Duncan, Bureau of Land Management([email protected])
As a result of the efforts of Trent Duncan, employees of the BLMat eight remote campground field stations are now enjoying thebenefits of clean, quiet electrical power. Photovoltaic arrays provid-ing on-site energy were the featured items in a standardized designprocess to create a comfortable living area for BLM employees fromwhich they could support BLM maintenance, administration, andobservation activities in remote areas. Thanks to the new PV energysystems installed in these facilities, BLM staff and remote wildlandfirefighters alike in Arizona, California, Utah, Idaho, and Alaskawill have a more comfortable living environment with feweradverse environmental impacts. Tourists to the area will also benefit from the increased presence of BLM staff. Because of its versatility, Trent's design will help to ensure a soft footprint, withrenewable energy as the core, for new BLM remote field stations for years to come.
Awardee: Harry Remmers, Bureau of Reclamation([email protected])
Harry Remmers led a successul effort to improve the energy effi-ciency of the Leadville, Colorado, Water Treatment Plant. The planthad been heated with eleven 5-kW electric heaters supplementedwith a gas-fired makeup air unit. Harry has replaced a good part ofthis costly and inefficient system with a transpired solar collector, or"solar wall." The solar wall is designed to preheat ventilation air atan efficiency of 70% or more. The project has a payback period of6.87 years and annual savings of $4,368. The wall will improve airquality indoors and out by preventing 20.07 million tons of carbonemissions. This project will further the mission of the plant to helpkeep Leadville pristine, and as the Bureau of Reclamation's firsttranspired solar collector installation, it will serve as a model forsimilar installations at other facilities owned and operated by theBureau of Reclamation in 17 western states.
Awardee: Kent Bullard, National Park Service([email protected])
Kent Bullard has demonstrated the environmental leadershipthat distinguishes the National Park Service by championing severalsolar energy initiatives at Santa Rosa Island in Channel IslandNational Park. Kent led the initiative to put photovoltaic arrays ontwo rooftops in the Santa Rosa housing area; he also spearheadedthe effort to install four solar water heating systems on employeeresidences. His efforts will help protect the fragile marine environ-ment surrounding the park by reducing air pollution and the risk of fuel spills, which can be environmentally and economically disastrous. The two 6.4-kW photovoltaic arrays that were the resultof Kent's PV rooftop initiative displaced almost the entire load ofthe older diesel generator. The 94% reduction in diesel consumptionwill pay for the installation in just 9 years, and the island’s annualenergy costs will be reduced from around $38,000 to only about$2,000.
A 6.4-kW photovoltaic array on Santa Rosa Island, Channel Islands National Park,California
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Photovoltaic arrays for BLM’s on-site energy needs in Arizona, California, Utah, Idaho, and Alaska
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Transpired solar collector at the Water Treatment Plant in Leadville, Colorado
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Awardee: Nick Heinrich, National Park Service([email protected])
Nick Heinrich is responsible for the successful installation of aphotovoltaic system at Ainahou Ranch, a historic building locatedin Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii. The facility is used for groupretreats and environmental education programs, and its surround-ings have been established as a sanctuary for the "nene," orHawaiian goose. Nick's efforts, which will save the park $4,500annually, will greatly reduce adverse impacts on the sensitive parkenvironment, which is home to many exotic trees and an extensivepotable water cachement and distribution system. The PV system is providing a much cleaner future for the restoration of the ranchthan the diesel generator that it has replaced.
Awardee: Joe Martin, National Park Service ([email protected])
Joe Martin has developed a true portfolio of solar energy initia-tives for the National Park Service. He has led three efforts recog-nized by the Million Solar Roofs Initiative: solar water heating systems on seven duplexes and one ranger station at Cape LookoutNational Seashore in North Carolina, a photovoltaic system on oneof the duplexes, and a photovoltaic system at the Gulf IslandsNational Seashore in Florida. The installations at Cape Lookout willreduce annual fuel use by more than 1800 gallons. The PV system atGulf Islands reduces carbon emissions, renders the area more quietand serene, since there is less need for the noisy diesel generator,and reduces the risk of oil spills, since fuel oil must be transportedfrom the mainland to the islands. Horn Island at Gulf IslandsNational Seashore in Florida was also a pilot project to encourageFederal procurements of solar energy systems. The new procure-ment process, offered through the General Services Administration(GSA) supply schedule and the NPS partnership, was fostered bythe Federal Energy Management Program.
DE PA RT M E N T O F JU S T I C EAwardee: DC Hendersen, Bureau of Prisons ([email protected])
DC Hendersen led the very first successful Federal effort in thenation to install a solar thermal system under an Energy SavingsPerformance Contract! The parabolic trough system saves $6,000annually in energy costs and is located at the Federal CorrectionalInstitute near Phoenix, Arizona. The system preheats 50,000 gallonsof water daily for use by more then 1,500 inmates and staff. Solarcollectors track the sun to heat a circulating stream of propyleneglycol antifreeze and water. Heat from the collectors is transferredby copper coils to tanks that store hot water for use in laundry,kitchen, and shower areas. Approximately 90% of the energy cost savings go to the energy services company, Industrial SolarTechnologies (IST), under the performance contract to amortize the capital cost of the system and pay for maintenance.
Photovoltaic system at Ainahou Ranch, a historic building located in Volcanoes NationalPark in Hawaii
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The parabolic trough water-heating system at the Federal Correctional Institute nearPhoenix, Arizona
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New photovoltaic system at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida
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DE PA RT M E N T O F STAT EAwardees: Richard Crowson, Jane Loyer ([email protected]), and Frank Luciani
The Department of State has installed more than 317 solar hotwater systems on buildings overseas since the inception of theMillion Solar Roofs Initiative. These solar thermal systems are allover the world, in countries such as Senegal, Greece, Tanzania,Cypress, Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, India, the Bahamas, Egypt,Jordan, Malaysia, Yemen, Indonesia, Chad, Tel Aviv, and Honduras.Many of the solar thermal systems are on government housing,apartments, and office buildings. Richard, Frank and Jane know thatthe Department of State uses solar energy where it really makessense!
DE PA RT M E N T O F TR A N S P O RTAT I O NAwardee: Ron Iwao, U.S. Coast Guard ([email protected])
With assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and the FederalEnergy Management Program, Ron Iwao was able to implement alarge solar water heating project at the Kia'i Kai Hale housing areain Honolulu, Hawaii. Ron has long been a proponent of renewableenergy. He worked tirelessly to convince senior management thatsolar energy makes economic sense. Hawaii's sunny climate willallow this sizable installation, which includes 62 domestic waterheating systems, to save $40,625.38 annually and to avoid more than69 million tons of carbon emissions each year. Ron also led the effortto fund a project to install 17 solar water heaters on housing facili-ties on Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii islands; this project has a simplepayback of 6.2 years.
EN V I R O N M E N TA L PR O T E C T I O N AG E N C YAwardee: Sue Datson ([email protected])
A huge ventilation requirement, and a significantly long heatingseason, made a winner of Sue Datson's solar wall project at theEPA's Region 8 Hazardous Materials Building. The transpired solarcollector or "solar wall" now installed there will maintain the con-stant-temperature storage conditions needed for the hazardousmaterials required at the laboratory; it will also cut the monthlyheating bill by over 30% by preheating ventilation air for the facility.Sue's effort will reduce natural gas usage by 215 million Btu peryear, saving $900 annually on natural gas alone. Avoided emissionsare predicted to be 7.4 metric tons of carbon per year.
Awardee: John Grobler ([email protected])
John Grobler's successful solar installation at the EPA Region 10Manchester Laboratory serves many purposes. Not only does thesystem prevent air pollution and conserve natural resources, it alsoprovides uninterruptible power, which is critically important to thelab. And it is the first net-metered PV system in the Northwest. Theinstallation at the Manchester Lab, completed in June 1999, wasinspired by a two-day solar workshop. The 25 workshop partici-pants assembled three tracking PV arrays and their accompanyinginverters and battery bank after completing the workshop. PVmakes it possible to deliver uninterrupted electrical power, which iscrucial to the lab's operation, and it will help to eliminate the use ofa diesel generator currently used during power outages, eliminatingmore than 50,000 tons of carbon emissions annually. John's systemhas provided a greater awareness of solar options to the EPA andother government entities, and demonstrated the value of photo-voltaics in providing high-quality electric power. Government systems also help to demonstrate solar technology and stimulate the solar market, which will drive down future costs.
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PV array installation at the EPA Region 10 Manchester Laboratory in the PacificNorthwest
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Large solar water heating project at the Kia’i Kai Hale housing area in Honolulu, Hawaii
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Awardee: Phil Wirdzek ([email protected])
In the true spirit of environmental protection, Phil Wirdzek ledhis agency, the EPA, in an effort to procure a building-integratedphotovoltaic roof for its new National Computer Center, to be builtin Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Instead of the standardbuilt-up roofing system, the roof-integrated PV system will displacethe cost of conventional roofing materials while providing clean,renewable power and shading the building from the sun. With atotal roof area of approximately 35,000 square feet, the peak poweroutput will be around 100 kW AC. The shading and natural ventila-tion produced by the BIPV system as it allows heated air to rise andmove underneath the modules will reduce the building cooling loadand allow a reduction in central plant capacity of up to 10 tons. Thecombination of the clean power provided by the PV roof and itsbeneficial shading effects are expected to save 872,000 kWh and$71,500 annually. More than 257 metric tons of carbon emissionswill be avoided as a result of Phil's efforts.
GE N E R A L S E RV I C E S AD M I N I S T R AT I O NAwardee: Roman Piaskoski ([email protected])
Roman Piaskoski turned a regularly scheduled roof replacementfor the GSA into a high-technology installation of building-integrated photovoltaics. As a result, the Williams Building inBoston, Massachusetts, now has a 28-kW AC photovoltaic systemconsisting of 372 PV panels. Roman recognized the value of build-ing-integrated photovoltaics in its ability to not only produce clean,renewable power, but also to displace conventional building materi-als. Roman's project includes not only the PV installation but also areplacement of the current district steam heat with gas-fired boilersand a 75-kW co-generation unit. The total project has a projected10.5-year payback bundled with energy efficiency. This is a greatexample of how photovoltaics can be successfully integrated into a densely populated urban location.
Awardee: Steve White ([email protected])
GSA has been building a 100 kW AC photovoltaic array at theSuitland Federal Center, scheduled for completion this year, nearWashington, D.C. The project’s goals include promoting the use of"green" technologies, enlightening the Federal government and thepublic about them, and obtaining a low-maintenance, reliable, andattractive PV system. The PV array is built over an abandoned cool-ing pond. The array consists of 2800 panels assembled on galva-nized steel. It will produce 480 V AC and up to 150 amperes. Thispower will be fed directly into the utility grid without storage.
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A 100-kW (AC) array at the Suitland Federal Center, near Washington, DC
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A 28-kW AC photovoltaic system consisting of 372 PV panels at the GSA Williams Building in Boston, Massachusetts
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NAT I O N A L SC I E N C E FO U N D AT I O NAwardee: Frank Brier ([email protected])
Antarctica is sometimes known as the untouched land, andFrank Brier is doing his best to preserve that pristine quality. He ledan initiative to ensure that a 35 kW building-integrated photovoltaicsystem will be a prominent feature of the new South Pole station.He is also responsible for the installation of a 1.2 kW photovoltaicsystem at Lake Hoare, Antarctica. The eight 55 W panels use a manual tracking system to optimize performance and providepower to scientific research facilities at the site. The system includes1000 amp-hours of deep-cycled gel batteries. In this extreme envi-ronment, scientists conducting research must be flown in by heli-copter, and they rely on the facilities there to maintain heat and electrical power.
NAT I O N A L AE R O N A U T I C S A N D SPA C EAD M I N I S T R AT I O N
Awardee: Wayne Thalasinos ([email protected])
In an effort to reduce the electricity consumption of the film stor-age facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Wayne Thalasinoschampioned a successful initiative to utilize a solar thermal preheat-ing unit for the building's ventilation system. Because of the sensi-tivity of the storage facility's contents, the interior environmentmust be strictly maintained, and it requires a huge amount of energy to control the temperature and humidity. The solar preheatsystem will reduce the load on the conventional HVAC system,resulting in an annual savings of 43,813 kWh and $1,402 each year. In addition, the solar preheat system will effectively avoid12.9 metric tons of carbon emissions annually.
SM I T H S O N I A N IN S T I T U T I O NAwardee: Melinda Humphry Becker ([email protected])
It's hard to decide what word best describes Melinda, a talentedSmithsonian architect: "visionary," "driven," or "inexhaustible" ...perhaps all three. Melinda successfully led an effort to secure$1 million in donations from the building-integrated photovoltaicsindustry for the new National Air and Space Museum's DullesCenter. In essence, this museum will be able to exhibit how photo-voltaic systems were fostered in the space program and are nowused as a construction material for buildings. In addition, Melindaled the effort to install photovoltaic power systems at Smithsonianfacilities in remote sites around Panama. With Melinda's help, theSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute is installing modular 2 kWPV power systems at three of its locations. These systems will helpto provide power to the research facilities, which serve both as laboratories and living quarters for personnel.
UN I T E D STAT E S PO S TA L S E RV I C EAwardees: John Lovgren ([email protected]) and Martin Nelson ([email protected])
For several years, the United States Postal Service (USPS) hasbeen working on speeding up its many services, and it isn't wastingany time when it comes to solar power, either. As part of the MillionSolar Roofs Initiative (MSRI), the USPS is working with staff atDOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to developand implement a strategy to install standardized (virtually off-the-shelf) solar energy systems at USPS facilities. The USPS operatesmore than 30,000 facilities across the nation.
John Lovgren: John’s facility is paying one of the highest utilityrates in the country, at more than 28 cents per kWh for the BlockIsland Post Office's leased building in New Shoreham, RhodeIsland. So he decided to install a 6 kW photovoltaic system with a 54 kWh battery backup bank. Block Island is prone to sporadicpower failures that tend to wreak havoc on the facility’s computerand automation equipment. In addition, John developed an
10 Save with Solar Fall 2000 Vol. 3, No. 2
A 1.2-kW photovoltaic system at Lake Hoare, Antarctica
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The new National Air and Space Museum’s Dulles Center in Washington, DC
educational display unit to educate customers about the renewableenergy system.
Martin Nelson: Marty is working with FEMP and NREL to leadthe effort to install standardized photovoltaic power systems atmultiple sites in California. In addition, Marty took it upon himselfto champion the rehabilitation of an inoperable photovoltaic systemat the Rancho Mirage Post Office in California. The system wasinstalled in 1987 to directly power DC compressors used for air-conditioning. Then in 1993, the system was modified to providegrid-connected AC power. All the equipment and wiring were inplace to provide the power, but there were no connections betweenthe PV panels and the inverters, or between the inverters and theservice entrance panel. Working with NREL staff, Marty determinedthat at relatively little cost, the PV system could be connected to theinverters that are already there to produce 5 kW of AC power. TheUSPS has been working with the local utility and NREL to get thePV system up and running and connect it to the utility grid. ■
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A 6-kW photovoltaic system with a 54-kWh battery backup bank at the Block IslandPost Office in New Shoreham, Rhode Island
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Assisting with an inoperatable (PV) power system at Rancho Mirage Post Office inRancho Mirage
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A Federal Energy Management Program initiative, You Have thePoweris designed to raise awareness of energy efficiency in the
Federal sector. Find out more about it at http://www.eren.doe.gov/femp
This booklet illustrates the many ways that building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) energy systems can be
designed as beautifully integrated building components,such as portions of a roof, wall, skylight, or awning.These components function as both a building elementand a source of clean, renewable electric power; BIPV
is one of the best ways to produce electricity intoday's densely populated urban areas.
To request a copy, contact Sheila Hayter, NREL,[email protected]
Save with Solar: A Technical Bulletinfor Federal Solar Energy ChampionsPatrina Eiffert, Ph.D., EditorNational Renewable Energy Laboratory1617 Cole Blvd.Golden, CO 80401-3393(303) 384-7548
Production editor: Paula PitchfordGraphic designer: Susan SczepanskiIllustrator: Jim Leyshon
Produced for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Federal Energy Management Program by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a DOE national laboratory
DOE/GO-102000-1096November 2000
Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper,including 20% postconsumer waste
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For More InformationFEMP Help Desk: 1-800-363-3732Anne Sprunt CrawleyTechnical Assistance ProgramManager Federal EnergyManagement ProgramU.S. Department of Energy1000 Independence Ave., S.W. Washington, DC 20585202-586-1505Federal Energy Management Program
Federal Solar Energy Champions Recognized: In conjunction with Earth Day2000 and Soltech, the Federal Renewable Energy Working Group hosted aspecial award ceremony in Washington, DC, in April to honor Million SolarRoofs solar energy champions. Federal agencies represented include the U.S.Departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, the Interior, Justice, State, andTransportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, FederalEmergency Management Agency, General Services Administration, NationalScience Foundation, NASA, Smithsonian Institution, and United States PostalService. A recent survey indicated that more than 2,000 solar and relatedrenewable energy systems are now in place in a wide variety of governmentfacilities. See inside for details, including energy and cost savings andimportant environmental benefits associated with this achievement. ■
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