Sunlight Solar Energy recently completed the installation of a hybrid solar array on the Tip O’Neill Federal Building in Boston. The project, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, is a partnership between the U.S. General Services Administration, NSTAR, Sunlight Solar Energy, and SunDrum Solar.
The solar energy system, designed and installed by Sunlight Solar, uses a photovoltaic-thermal hybrid solar technology that combines a PV panel and thermal collector into a single module that produces both electricity and hot water. The hybrid solar array is comprised of 30kW of photovoltaic (PV) capacity and the thermal equivalent of 70 kW. The system is the largest roof top hybrid solar installation in the U.S. and is also the first installation of photovoltaic-thermal hybrid solar technology on a U.S. Federal building.
Over 90% of the system’s components are manufactured locally in Massachusetts, providing jobs for local workers and reducing the overall environmental impact of the project. SunDrum Solar of Hudson, MA, has designed and manufactured the solar thermal collector that attaches to the back of the PV panel and improves the PV efficiency.
Sunlight Solar Energy is proud to install a project that provides jobs for local workers, stimulates our economy, and utilizes Massachusetts-manufactured components to reduce the environmental impact of a prominent Federal building. To find out more about this hybrid technology and opportunities to utilize solar energy for your home or business, you can give us a call at (781) 373 3263 or request a free site evaluation.