For several months, the community association has been focusing
on sustainability within the organization.
From recycling to photovoltaic panels that take sunlight and
make it into electricity, HRCA is going green.
Two banks of photovoltaic panels are on top of Eastridge and
Westridge recreation centers.
Standard Renewable Energy installed the Suntech 175 watt
panels.
Jeff Pemberton, regional sales manager for Standard, said the
racking system was designed to protect the roof warranty HRCA has
with the contractor.
The rack is mounted to rails filled with rocks to hold the
system on the roof.
Conduit piping is attached to rubber feet. This avoids drilling
any holes that could void the roof warranty.
Between the two recreation centers, the panels will generate
about 25 kilowatts.
More so than the economic advantages of self-generated power,
the panels fit with the association’s mission, said Paul Meyers,
HRCA director.
The panels will offset about 2 million pounds of carbon dioxide
emissions, prevent 1.8 million gallons of water from mercury
poisoning, equate to 4,250 of carbon dioxide absorbing trees and
prevent 11,500 pounds of smog and acid rain (NOx and SOx) air
pollutants.
This is the right thing to do for the planet,” Meyers said. “We
are charged with environmental stewardship and sustainable
practices.”
