The Greenbridge community, located in White Center, has declared the installation of solar PV panels over the rooftops of 24 public housing units that are being constructed at Sixth Place Apartments.
The project, estimated to cost around $500,000, has received funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for a value of $375,000 and $125,000 in the form of solar credits.
A row of rental homes at Sixth Place Apartments in Greenbridge featuring solar photovoltaic panels. When installation is completed, the 50.1 kw PV array will be the largest in Washington state
The 50.1 kW rooftop solar facility includes 213 solar panels to be installed over nine buildings. GGLO Architects, Michael Nouwens Structural Consultants and Glumac Engineers have provided the required design for the rooftop system. The solar panels are being erected by A & R Solar and the project is supervised by Walsh Constructions. The solar installation, which is anticipated to be completed in the coming summer, will produce around 52,558 kWh of renewable energy every year. Excess power generated by the system will be linked to the power grid.
The other energy-saving measures incorporated in the buildings include insulation for windows, roofs, and walls of the building that surpasses the standard requirements, installation of ENERGY STAR rated lights for the buildings. Other strategies include solar powered attic fans to remove hot winds during summer and to keep the building cool and the use of light tubes to reduce the use of electric lighting during day time.