The Carmel Clay Public Library will hold a ribbon cutting for its Main Library solar panel array at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Located on the Main Library’s roof, the 245.6 kW (kilowatt) array consists of 552 445-watt PV (photovoltaic) panels that capture energy from the sun and convert it into electricity. The system is anticipated to produce 325,000 kWh annually, supplying approximately 20 to 30 percent of the building’s energy needs.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of energy produced by the library’s solar array will offset the equivalent annual energy consumption of nearly 45 homes. Library users will be able to view the current output of the system on a special monitor inside the Main Library and on the library’s website, CarmelClayLibrary.org.
The solar panel array was installed as part of the library’s expansion and renovation of its Main Library facility. The system was designed by Carmel-based Telamon Energy and constructed and installed by Solential Energy, also a local company.
“A goal of the library’s renovation project was to be environmentally responsible and reduce the building’s energy use,” Library Director Bob Swanay said. “We’re also excited to give library users of all ages a chance to learn about solar energy.”
The ribbon-cutting event will take place at ground level at the Main Library’s south entrance. Other activities to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the library expansion will take place at the library throughout the day, including face painting, karaoke, and crafts.