Kress Solar Energy Initiative Donations Portal
Date: January 24, 2012 - February 29, 2012
Event Description
The Project
The objective is to create a learning center complimented by a large, high profile renewable energy project. To accomplish this, we plan to install: an educational kiosk with monitoring equipment and displays; and a 20-kilowatt solar-electric array on the south-facing roof of the Kress Family Library. This long life, low maintenance system will annually produce 25,000 kilowatt-hours of clean, renewable electricity and the library will benefit from $87,000 in energy savings in thirty years.
The Impact
More than 130,000 people visit the Kress Family Library each year. On a daily basis, thousands more pass by on Route 32/North Broadway and on the adjacent Fox River Trail. The high number of people able to view the system combined with the public and educational nature of a library facility make the Kress Library an ideal location for a solar energy awareness project.
In addition to cost savings, an installation of this size will annually offset 49,000 pounds of carbon dioxide which is equivalent to 103,000 pounds of coal or 2,488 gallons of gasoline.
The solar panel modules have an estimated lifespan of over 40 years, resulting in a positive long-term educational, environmental and financial impact.
Promoting Sustainability
The project rates at the highest level for meeting sustainable development criteria. By meeting all four of the Guiding Objectives, the project should be undertaken for our community to:
1. Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, underground metals and minerals
2. Reduce wasteful dependence upon chemicals and unnatural substances
3. Reduce encroachment upon nature
4. Meet human needs fairly and efficiently
