May 4 2010
AZUR Solar has completed a 31kilowatt solar electric system for the Orlando Science Center utilizing four SMA Sunny Boy 7000US solar inverters to convert the direct current (DC) electricity collected by the panels into grid-compatible alternating current (AC) electricity for use in the building.
The photovoltaic (PV) system was installed on the Science Center’s roof and is comprised of 144 high-efficiency AZUR 2P solar panels. It is expected to produce 42,250 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year.
Orlando Science Center 31kW PV System.
Sunny Boy inverters were selected for the project based on their industry-leading efficiency and reliability.
“Due to the high visibility and importance of this project, we knew we needed the best available UL-listed inverters to pair with our revolutionary AZUR 2P panels,” said Philip Riddle, president and CEO of AZUR Solar USA. “The obvious choice was SMA.”
In addition to the roof-mounted system, an interactive Solar Educational Exhibit will be built inside the Science Center and will provide real-time and historical performance data. Visitors will be able to see the amount of energy that the system has produced as well as the environmental savings. A visual display of the system components will contain explanations of evolving solar technologies.
“SMA was excited to partner with AZUR Solar to provide an exceptional system for the Orlando Science Center,” said Dave Wojciechowski, director of sales at SMA America. “SMA values education and knows this system will yield not only clean power but learning opportunities for multiple generations.”
The energy produced by the PV array will be used to offset the site’s power consumption and reduce the Science Center’s operating costs for more than 25 years. Any excess power will be fed back into the utility grid. The Orlando Utility Commission, which serves more than 250,000 local customers, provided close cooperation and assistance on the project.
The Orlando Science Center was first incorporated in 1955 and the most recent building opened in 1997. It is one of America’s top hands-on science centers and provides educational opportunities both within and outside the center’s walls. More than 400,000 visitors tour the location each year.
The Sunny Boy is the world’s most popular line of solar inverters and features class leading efficiency and reliability; its longevity is enhanced via SMA’s patented OptiCool active temperature-management system and rugged cast-aluminum outdoor-rated enclosure. Sunny Boy inverters are certified to the UL 1741/IEEE1547 standard and include a 10 year factory warranty, with the ability to extend up to 20 years.