One of the world's leading scientific research institutes is adding 500kW of rooftop solar, establishing environmental leadership while preserving landmark buildings
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 23, 2010 — The Salk Institute of Biological Sciences has selected San Diego solar company Stellar Solar to design and install a new 500 kW rooftop solar electric system for its architecturally renowned campus in La Jolla, according to Tim Ball, the Institute's senior director of facilities services.
The project also combines the sustainability of solar energy with the sensibility of architectural preservation, Ball pointed out. The buildings were completed in 1965 and officially designated a National Historic Landmark in 1991. As such, providing a long-term strategy to care for the facility's energy needs was a key part of the decision.
In addition, solar is seen as a way to help save money on the Institute's energy bill, Ball said. "As a non-profit institution, we are always looking for ways to stretch budgets and save money," he explained. "As a research facility, we use a lot of electricity. Although we get a very good rate from SDG&E, we found we could produce our own solar electricity onsite for about 30% lower than what SDG&E charges us."
Stellar Solar was selected to design and build the solar array because it was a local firm with a proven track record of success, Ball said. "Not many firms have been in the solar business as long as Stellar Solar has and we wanted to work with a group that could integrate themselves easily into our existing work on a weekly basis. Stellar has the know-how to do that," he said.
Stellar Solar president Kent Harle said his firm considers it an honor to be selected to work on a high-visibility solar project such as this one. "The San Diego Union-Tribune calls the Salk Institute 'the single most significant architectural site in San Diego,'" he said. "It is also significant that this site will now be solar-powered and we are so very proud to be a part of making that happen," he said.
About Stellar Solar
Stellar Solar is a leading San Diego County-based residential and commercial PV solar design and installation company with over ten years of experience and 500+ installations, ranging in size from 2kW to 1MW, throughout California. Learn more at http://www.stellarsolar.net
About The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is one of the world's preeminent basic research institutions, where internationally renowned faculty probe fundamental life science questions in a unique, collaborative, and creative environment. Focused both on discovery and on mentoring future generations of researchers, Salk scientists make groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of cancer, aging, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and infectious diseases. Founded in 1960 by polio vaccine pioneer Jonas Salk, M.D., and designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn, the Institute was designated a historic landmark in 1991. Learn more at http://www.salk.edu
Contact: David Boylan
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