Solar 2: New York City’s solar-powered education centre

New York city will soon have its first-ever net-zero energy, carbon-neutral building, to replace its current environmental education centre, Solar 1. The new building is to be rather cleverly named Solar 2.

Mock-up of Solar 2, green screen and green roof--image from Solar 1 website
Mock-up of Solar 2, green screen and green roof--image from Solar 1 website

All the stops have been pulled out for this impressive project, which will feature a 90kW dc  solar photovoltaic module array on a canopy that sits above the building itself. The project will also showcase some of

Mock-up of Solar 2, facing south--image from Solar 1 website
Mock-up of Solar 2, facing south--image from Solar 1 website

the best elements of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and passive solar and sustainable design, including

a green roof, rainwater collection and water conservation features, and a vegetative ‘green screen’ which will provide shade and attract birds and butterflies.

(You can read more about the project on the Solar 1 website.)

Written by James Martin

© 2010 Solar Choice Pty Ltd

Sources and Links:

GE Reports, “Turning New York into Solar City”

Solar 1, Solar 2 project page

Previous related Solar Choice blog entries: Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)

James Martin II