Atlantic Ave Rec Center solar power project complete

Photo courtesy of Len Kreger

Solar panels line the roof of the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center
Photo courtesy of Len Kreger

The Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center solar power project is up and running according Len Kreger community volunteer who lead the effort to seek an alternative energy source for heating the municipal swimming pool.

Estimated savings to the city over fifteen years is expected to be $250,000. At current energy rates, it will take 4 - 5 years to recoup the project cost of $31,900. Kreger has yet to calculate the green house gas reduction, but he believes it will be significant.

The city contracted with AIA Solar, a locally owned company, to complete the project.  Pete Wilking, owner and president of A1A Solar provided the following statement to the Fernandina Observer.

"It has been a pleasure working with City staff on this project and I'm very pleased with the installation even after we had to redesign the mounting system based on the sub-roofing material discovered. This commercial solar pool system shows the City making a wise capital investment to reduce on going operating costs-as well as being environmentally responsible in terms of fossil fuel reduction and overall pollution footprint.

Although this solar pool heating system uses solar "thermal" technology, the majority of our installations (both residential and commercial) involve photovoltaic  or "PV" installations where we make electricity. For heating pools, solar thermal is typically the most cost-effective technology to use. One thing we know for sure, no matter how much electricity and propane cost rise, the cost of sunshine will remain the same....free!"

November 12, 2013 6:38 a.m.