Science Museum of Minnesota
In 2002, the Science Museum of Minnesota became one of the first recipients of a grant from the Renewable Development Fund, for the purpose of including a photovoltaic power system on their new Science House classroom building. The Science House was also one of the first commercial buildings to utilize solar roofing. Manufactured by UniSolar, PVL or photovoltaic laminate panels are designed specifically for standing seam metal roofs. The panels stick to the roof and require no mounting hardware. Rated at 8.6kW, it was one of the largest solar power systems in Minnesota at the time. In 2008, another 1.4kW was added to the system, bringing the total capacity to 10kW. The system produces about 12,500kWh of electricity on average per year. Producing 12,500kWh of electricity annually from coal emits about 25,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. Preventing this much carbon dioxide from being released to the atmosphere is equivalent to adding 1,250 trees to our forests. Over a 30-year span, IPS expects this system will offset 750,000 pounds or 375 tons of carbon dioxide.