October 7, 2009

Long Beach, CA, USA: Museum of Latin American Art Deploys Sharp Solar System

Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group and the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) have completed a 60-kilowatt solar power array positioned atop the Museum in the East Village Arts District of Long Beach, California. The installation is being celebrated at a ribbon cutting ceremony today.

This is the first step in the museum’s overall goal of energy efficiency and conservation, and was made possible by the unique combination of a California Solar Initiative state rebate, a clean air grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with PermaCity Solar, Inc.

“The Museum of Latin American Art is a non-profit entity that has been tirelessly working to provide education and enjoyment for Los Angeles residents and visitors. We are pleased to see that they have taken it a step further, with the help of Permacity, by incorporating clean, renewable solar power to contribute to their overall sustainability,” said Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group.

Comprised of 336 Sharp NT-175U solar modules, the installation sits atop the 55,000 square-foot building, and will produce enough electricity to meet nearly 13 percent of the museum’s electricity needs for a yearly savings of more than $6,000. The installation, completed this month, was designed and installed by PermaCity Solar of Long Beach, California, which will manage, operate and maintain the solar electricity system.

“We have deep expertise in the economical purchase and installation of PV systems and were excited to be able to use that to give back to the Museum of Latin American Arts, a non-profit organization that has been very influential in the Los Angeles community,” said Herb Mendelsohn, vice president of sales and marketing at PermaCity.

The solar installation occupies half of the total roof footage and is positioned on two of the three unique buildings that make up the museum, including a historical building that was once a successful silent film studio. The architecture and materials on the two buildings differ entirely, with an arched roof on one, and a shingled A-frame roof on the other.

“We initially began thinking about solar energy a couple of years ago and were approached by PermaCity during this time, and they were able to devise a solar solution despite the challenge that the varying structural shapes and materials of our facility presented. We are extremely pleased with the results and look forward to lower energy costs and reducing our carbon dioxide footprint on the environment,” said Chris Gordon, vice president of projects and finance, MOLAA. “This is only the beginning of ways that we are looking to reduce our impact on the environment, as we already have eco-friendly irrigation systems and recycling initiatives in place.”

Designed for commercial and residential grid-tied roof systems, the NT-175U solar modules incorporate an advanced surface texturing process to increase light absorption and improve efficiency. These modules are built to withstand rigorous operating conditions with tempered glass, EVA lamination and weatherproof backskin. Combined with a 25-year limited warranty on power output, these units ensure a long, reliable lifespan with high power output per square foot of solar array.

Further details about: Sharp Electronics and PermaCity Solar