Installation of rooftop photovoltaic panels, such as a recently completed project that added 17,000 panels to a distribution center in New York State, are having a notable impact on the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Solar provided a record-high 7.3% of U.S. electrical generation in May, “driven in large part by growth in ‘estimated’ small-scale (e.g., rooftop) solar PV whose output increased by 25.6% and accounted for nearly a third (31.9%) of total solar production,” according to a report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Averaged out, for the first five months of the year, solar accounted for 5.5% of total U.S. electrical generation.
During the first five months of 2023, solar and wind combined for 17.7% of total US electrical output, up from 17.0% for the same period a year earlier. For the five-month period, solar plus wind easily surpassed coal, which accounted for 14.6% of electrical generation.
The massive solar panel installation atop Medline Industries’ distribution center in New York is projected to generate 7.2-megawatts of power, enough for over 1,600 homes. It is the largest rooftop installation in the state.
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10 Great Solutions
The editors of Building Design+Construction present 10 “Great Solutions” that highlight innovative technology and products that can be used to address some of the many problems Building Teams face in their day-to-day work. Readers are encouraged to submit entries for Great Solutions; if we use yours, you’ll receive a $25 gift certificate. Look for more Great Solutions in 2012 at: www.bdcnetwork.com/greatsolutions/2012.
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Keast & Hood Co. part of Statue of Liberty renovation team
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| Dec 7, 2011
ICS Builders and BKSK Architects complete St. Hilda’s House in Manhattan
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| Dec 5, 2011
New York and San Francisco receive World Green Building Council's Government Leadership Awards
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| Dec 5, 2011
Fraser Brown MacKenna wins Green Gown Award
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What are you waiting for? BD+C's 2012 40 Under 40 nominations are due Friday, Jan. 20
Nominate a colleague, peer, or even yourself. Applications available here.
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VLK Architects’ office receives LEED certification
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Report finds credit crunch accounts for 20% of nation’s stalled projects
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| Nov 28, 2011
Nauset Construction completes addition for Franciscan Hospital for Children
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Report finds that L.A. lags on solar energy, offers policy solutions
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