Pennsylvania uses solar power for emergency recovery solution | 04.16.2008 | 09:15:45 | Views: 6013 | ID: April 16 '08: Pennsylvania officials said in a press release in 2007 that photovoltaic solar panels would be used to help provide 4.8 kilowatt hours of power to be used for critical government systems "that protect public health and safety". The solar cells were installed through a partnership with BP's US solar branch and represent a large statewide sustainability campaign spearheaded by Governor Ed Rendell. The cells will be maintained and constructed by Pennsylvania-based Mesa Environmental Systems. "The system will feed 4.8kW of solar power to supply a portion of the building's power needs and charge eight emergency backup batteries to provide at least 24 hours of backup power to critical infrastructure in the event of a blackout." The press release continued, "The solar system will back up the DEP regional office's emergency response calibration and equipment room, including computers, task lights, communications devices, and analytical equipment. The workspace then will allow the DEP's regional emergency response team to operate our of the regional office during a grid outage when recharging of vital analytical equipment and communications devices may not be otherwise possible." To help boost charging and storage capacity, the New York Times reported that solar thermal capture will help to reduce the industry's problem of cloudy days and energy demands at night. Additionally, Inhabitat reported that new solar capture technology developed by Dyesol will allow windows to become electrical conduits effectively making any glass surface and opportunity for energy creation. National Blueprint Tags: Public Health & Medical, Economic & Infrastructure.
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