About the solar array
The solar photovoltaic array on the roof of the Public Works Facility in Medina is one of the largest photovoltaic solar installations in the upper Midwest.
- The 97-kilowatt solar PV array has 528 solar modules of 185 watts each. Because the panels are not all oriented in the same direction, the maximum power output will be about 80 kilowatts.
- The system will supply 5 percent of the building's electrical needs annually.
- The system will save 100 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually and more than 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the warranted life of the array.
- The array is expected to generate 3 million kilowatt hours of electricity over its warranted life of 25 years. The modules are expected to last longer than their warranty. No material is lost from the solar cells or modules, nothing is emitted and there are no moving parts.
- The solar modules are mounted on beams attached directly to the roof support structure, which enables future roof replacement and repairs without having to dismantle the array.
How does the solar array work?
Sunlight shining on the solar modules produces direct current (DC) electricity. The inverter converts the DC electricity from the solar modules into alternating current (AC) electricity and synchronizes it with the AC electricity that is supplied to the building from the utility company. The electricity output from the solar array is sent to two inverters that are each capable of handling 50 kilowatts. All power generated by the array is used within the Public Works Facility.
Online monitoring
The power output from the inverters, the solar irradiance (amount of sunlight), module temperature and total environmental savings of the solar array can be monitored online.
The Adobe Shockwave Player is required to view the online monitoring tool. Download the Adobe Shockwave Player.
Installation video
The solar array was installed in early 2009. Watch a video of the installation.
