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IPS works with CTA Architects to power the Met Transit System Transit Center in Billings

Project Description

The center has been designed to be highly energy efficient and low maintenance, minimizing operating costs. As the city's public transit authority, MET is inherently energy conscious therefore the new facility will reinforce the department's commitment to energy conservation and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the new Transit Center is capitalizing upon the opportunity to create the defining image for the MET Transit System.

The Transit Center has been designed according to the nationally recognized LEED Green Building rating system and will achieve its LEED certification. One of the many energy conserving measures that have been identified through the sustainable design process is a grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) electric system. The project will be showcasing solar PV by celebrating this clean, renewable energy in the facility.

The most dynamic element of the design is the butterfly roof pedestrian canopy. The canopy slices through the site, linking one side to the other. The signature feature of the canopy is the photovoltaic array. The 13 foot by 130 foot south-facing portion of the roof features an array of 50 photovoltaic panels. The north-facing portion of the canopy will be a metal roof that reflects light onto the PV array, increasing its efficiency.

The Transit Center will host over 350,000 passengers per year. As the key feature of the signature design element, the PV system will be highly visible and eye-catching. We believe
this is an unequalled opportunity for the citizens of Billings and all Montana residents to learn about this clean renewable energy technology and hope it will encourage them to incorporate energy conservation into their daily lives.

Electrical Description

A 11.5KW PV grid-tied system utilizing (50) 230VA Sunpower roof mounted photovoltaic panels and Sunnyboy Inverters is being installed as part of this project. The panels on the roof will be mounted in a Unirack Sunframe. The PV system will supply nearly 100% of the power that the building will require, depending on weather conditions and time of year.

System Specifications
System Capacity: 11.5 kW
Panels: SunPower SPR 230 x 50
Inverter: SunPower SPR 4000m x 3

A monitoring system is being installed as part of this project that receives and combines information for all the inverters, displays at a desktop computer monitor in the managers office, displays at an exterior wall mounted location and is displayed on the MET or city web page via the city network. Software will be installed on the owners designated computer and with the required Ethernet card for direct Ethernet (Modbus/TCP) access to the metering and for real-time information from the monitoring system metering in a standard web browser. The computer software package for the monitoring system is capable of displaying kwh of the building, kwh of the photovoltaic system, KW demand,voltage, amperage and will have 12 month trending and historical parameter features. The exterior wall display will indicate real-time kwh being produced by the Photovoltaic system, real-time kwh being used by the building and the percentage of kwh being supplied by the photovoltaic system real-time.

Visit the CTA Architects Engineers website: www.ctagroup.com

Independent Power Systems teams with Coburn on award winning solar neighborhood!

Coburn is dedicated to green building practices. When it was decided that solar would be added to several homes in the Holiday Neighborhood, Coburn turned to IPS, the Boulder solar experts. Coburn knew that IPS would build systems that not only complemented their architectural style but would last for the lifetime of their houses.

Coburn Development made the decision to have solar installed on several homes in the Holiday community. They pre-wired the homes for solar, gave them an optimal roof slope, and placed an energy production display inside. They also included energy-efficient appliances, recycled insulation, and a basement vent that lets in regulated amounts of fresh air during the winter a feature Coloradoans particularly appreciate. Independent Power Systems, a SunPower Premier Dealer, installed the SunPower 4.3 kW system. Symmetrical, all-black panels and a mounting system flush with the rooftop give the home a seamless appearance.

Coburn homes with IPS installed solar electric systems sold twice as fast as neighboring units.

SunPower Intelegant Awards recognize residential SunPower solar electric power system installations that exemplify SunPower’s commitment to excellence in aesthetics, quality and performance. Read the award announcement here (.pdf file, opens in a new window).

Solar for Builders - 1505 Pearl

This new Boulder landmark at the east end of the historic Pearl Street Mall prominently displays its commitment to renewable energy with a 48.3kW system providing power to 14 individual condominium residences.

System Size: 48.3kW
Annual Production: 67,236kWh
Array: 230 SunPower 210 panels
System Category: Commercial

Solar for Builders - Holiday Condos

Four units in this new sustainable mixed income residential condominum complex are powered by a 13.76kW array. This rooftop array makes a bold visual statement and enhances the aesthetics of the building by obscuring rooftop maintenance and utility equipment.

System Size: 9.675kW
Annual Production: 13,741kWh
Array: 45 SunPower 215 panels
System Category: Residential