44°
Late last week, Spano was on hand to introduce the $50,000 system, donated by Green Mountain Energy Sun Club, that will modernize the off-grid solar electric system aboard the Barge.
The grant includes 12 new LG solar panels that produce a total of 3,420 watts and an Iron Edison 48 volt battery bank that is significantly more efficient than the outdated system it is replacing, according to Bob Walters, the director of the Science Barge.
“This donation from the Sun Club propels the Barge into the next era, totally updating the energy system that powers our hydroponic farm,” he added. “We will now have double the solar power and double the energy reserves.”
Housed at 99 Dock St., the Science Barge is a prototype sustainable urban farm that grows fresh produce with no net carbon emissions, pesticides or runoff. All of the energy that powers the Barge will be generated by the new energy system.
“The Sun Club loves working with unique nonprofits, and the Science Barge is an excellent demonstration of renewable energy and environmental education,” Green Mountain Energy Sun Club President Mark Parsons said in a statement. “We’re proud to help the sustainable urban farm operate completely off the grid.”
Walters added that “with the new energy system, the Barge is positioned to demonstrate and teach sustainable farming for the future, with zero carbon emissions, zero pesticides and zero runoff.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yonkers and receive free news updates.
