Applying Solar Power at the Lighthouse:
An option being explored, instead of the Lighthouse having a second main power line installed (which increases total available current to 200A), is to use solar panels to increase the available current. This would both save on long-term operating costs and make the building more environmentally friendly. Given that we are putting together three budget plans, there are also three solar energy plans. They are as follows:
- $15k Plan: Install an area of solar panels sufficient to power the exhaust fans to be installed in the roof of the gymnasium.
- $30k Plan: Greater use of solar panels, not full provision beyond 100A current, but more than in $15k plan.
- "Unlimited" Budget Plan: Install an area of solar panels sufficient to cover all of the facility's energy needs beyond their current 100 A service.
Implementing solar panels into the Lighthouse's energy use is a scalable operation that can be fitted precisely to the needs of each respective budget plan. For example, if the panels were only to power the three exhaust fans to be installed in the gymnasium's roof, the sizing process would roughly be as follows:
- 3 fans, at either a 6.6 A draw at 115 V or a 3.3 A draw at 230 V, thus a total power of ~2300 W
- Ready-made kits can be found for such applications, for, in this case a price of about $4000.
- These kits provide helpful information about area of panels, batteries, and inverters required as well, and can be used to search for better deals on the same components included in a kit such as the one above.
