union harnesses the power of sun and wind

Massachusetts electricians bank on renewables

IBEW's rooftop solar panels and wind turbine provide efficient, clean energy. sda photo

Location: Boston, MA USA Client: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 103

Background:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 103 sought to power their regional training center with both solar and wind-generated electricity.

SDA was commissioned to provide design and engineering services for a commercial-scale wind turbine and a facade-mounted solar electric array.

IBEW's wind turbine - a now-familiar sight on Boston's skyline
ibew photoSpecial Features:

SDA provided Local 103 with

• design and engineering
• community outreach assistance
• code and utility liaison
• procurement assistance
• construction oversight
• system commissioning

Outcome:
Solar and wind systems displace utility-supplied electricity at the retail rate, powering the building while providing valuable demonstration data for local and national union members.

The systems also serve as real-time teaching tools for the IBEW training program, providing apprentices and journeymen with hands-on experience with renewable energy systems.

I.B.E.W. Local 103 installed Boston’s first commercial-scale wind turbine in May 2005. The turbine provides power to Local 103’s training center.

IBEW President, Ed Hill joins government and labor leaders to dedicate the first commercial-scale
wind turbine to be installed on the New England coast

In addition to reducing electricity costs, Local 103 will use the turbine, along with its photovoltaic array, to train its workforce in installation of renewable energy applications, now emerging as viable alternatives to fossil fuels as sources of electricity generation.

• The wind turbine's rotor diameter is 70 feet, and the unit produces its rated output when wind speeds reach 27mph.
• The 115-foot tower on which the turbine rests was fabricated locally by Morrison Berkshire, Inc., a heavy steel fabricator in North Adams, MA.
• An important attribute of this project is its public visibility. The turbine is located next to the Southeast Expressway, I-93, and the MBTA Red line. Thousands of commuters see it every day - a testament to the vision of IBEW 103 and its members.

SDA has a long-standing commitment to the advancement of renewable-energy knowledge and skills in the building trades. We work closely with labor organizations fielding renewable energy systems to support training and skill building programs. Workers strengthen their skills in photovoltaics, solar thermal and wind power.

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