November 11, 2002—New York City’s largest commercial rooftop solar power system was recently unveiled. The $900,000 project was jointly funded through a public-private partnership by Clean Air Communities, New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA), and Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center (GMDC). It was built and installed by PowerLight Corporation using state-of-the-art solar technology and zinc bromide batteries. The photovoltaic panels and advanced battery will collectively work as a solar energy system to generate and store electricity in coordination with Con Edison’s network system.
The 115-kilowatt solar power system covers 11,500 square feet of roof area and reduces the peak electricity demand on New York’s power grid. When fully powered, the solar system will generate the equivalent energy to light one hundred homes.
Funding for the project is provided through a joint partnership of NYSERDA, GMDC, and a Clean Air Communities grant stemming from Con Edison.
PowerLight’s PowerGuard solar electric roof tile system was selected as the solar electric technology application for GMDC’s unused flat roof space. PowerGuard is a patented, lightweight photovoltaic roofing assembly that delivers clean solar electricity to the building while protecting the roof from damaging effects of weather and UV radiation. Additionally, the solar tiles provide thermal insulation benefits to the building.
