New solar panels installed at FDNY District #9
New York Fire District FDNY District #9 (Bellevue) installed solar panels on its roof, going cleaner and greener than ever before! The new solar roof array cost taxpayers very little and will save them significantly more over time.
FDNY District #9′s solar panels were funded primarily by a grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The grant allowed the savings of $137,000 off the original cost of $175,000 for the solar array.
The fire district’s going solar will allow them more reliable power, particularly considering the deteriorating state of NYC’s electric transmission and distribution system.
Equally important is the fact that the new solar array will reduce the firehouse’s carbon footprint by offsetting 12% of its electricity needs (otherwise served by natural gas and coal). Over its expected 50 years of operation, the solar panels will allow FDNY District #9 to avoid emitting 1000 tons of CO2. Some might call that a drop in the bucket, but every little bit helps our environment!
Other facts about the firehouse solar panels:
- The solar array is rated at 28 kilowatt-hours (kWh)
- Enough solar electricity to power 4 homes will be generated
- Expected lifetime: 50 years
- Solar array consists of 140 panels – 200-watts each
- Annual electricity savings (2010) $4,300/year – will increase as rates go up over the lifetime of the panels
- Installed by Solar Liberty
Bellevue Firemen show off the new solar panels at FDNY District #9
Tags: bellevue district solar panels, fdny solar, fire district solar, firehouse solar panels, new york state energy research and development authority, rooftop solar, solar panel array
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