In 2013, the Virginia Living Museum installed 165 solar panels on its south facing roof, one of the largest non-profit solar installations in Hampton Roads. The solar system will produce more than 4900 kWh of electricity per month (58,853kWh per year), enough to fully power more than six U.S. homes. The system is expected to save the museum more than $5,000 in electricity costs in the first year alone. The green power produced by the system will prevent more than 41 metric tons of carbon dioxide to be released each year.
Educational signage and a digital screen display of real time solar electrical system production from the panels allow visitors to get a first hand look at how a solar system really works.
The project was funded with a $150,000 grant from Dominion Virginia Power’s charitable foundation. Installation was by Bay Electric Co., Inc., which also contributed to the project.
