world's first solar-powered neighborhood

SDA demonstrates possibilities for large-scale deployment of roof-top renewable energy systems

The first Solar Neighborhood in Gardner MA demonstrated the possibilities for large-scale deployment of renewable energy systems sda photo

Location: Gardner, MA USA Use: A residential neighborhood, local community college, several businesses and town offices.

Background:
In the early 1980’s, working with New England Electric, SDA designed and installed retrofit PV applications for a residential subdivision, Town Hall and Town Library, a furniture retailer, and even a local Burger King, to create the world's first solar-powered neighborhood in the central Massachusetts town of Gardner.

While it may seem unlikely today, 25 years ago solar energy was a dim and distant concept to the average American, evoking images of strange-looking panels and space satellites.

The Gardner project served to demystify the concept of harvesting clean, renewable energy from the sun, particularly using solar electric systems (photovoltaics).

Special Features:
This groundbreaking and world-renowned project is notable for:

• converting an ordinary neighborhood to rooftop PV power
• demonstrating to utilities that multiple renewable energy applications can be implemented on a neighborhood scale without disruption to the local distribution network
• awakening local officials, business leaders and other decision-makers to the benefits of sustainable development projects
• providing guidance and training for local electricians and solar panel installers

Outcome:

A community of existing homes was converted to solar power.


Even the local Burger King went solar.

The $1.25 million project brought large-scale solar electric applications to the fore, generating extensive press coverage for the fledgling PV industry. It also gave state and municipal officials, architects and engineers, policy makers and ordinary folks a glimpse of the sustainable energy future now emerging.

Leverage over thirty years' design and engineering experience with Solar Design Associates', to field small-, medium- and large-scale renewable energy systems encompassing solar electric (photovoltaic), solar thermal and wind energy.

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