Photovoltaics
History of Photovoltaic Electricity at Indian Creek Nature Center
The Indian Creek Nature Center has long been a leader in
energy efficiency. The Nature Center has used photovoltaic (PV) systems to produce a portion of its electricity
since 1993. Photovoltaic electric production was chosen by the Nature Center to reduce energy bills and promote
earth friendly energy production. PV systems produce clean, renewable energy that does not consume fossil fuels or
create polluting emissions. PV systems do not depend on imported oil, thus reducing oil spills and economic dependence
on foreign countries.
Our first PV system stored the solar-produced electricity in batteries. The system produced enough
electricity to operate the lighting in our sugarhouse only. The original system was replaced in 1997
with more efficient solar panels. A grid interconnection was established. Storage batteries were eliminated. Solar-produced electricity supplied about
10% of our total electrical needs. When the Nature Center’s photovoltaic system produced more electricity than needed,
surplus electricity entered Alliant Energy’s electrical grid and was used by
other Alliant customers. Selling surplus electricity to Alliant further reduced our energy bill.
The present photovoltaic system has greatly expanded our energy production.The energy produced
is used to power computers, lights and appliances. The system will supply about 40% of our energy needs.
The Nature Center’s buildings are an exhibit of energy efficiency. Energy saving light bulbs, sensor switches, window quilts, thermal
windows, sun tunnels and other features make our building efficient. Brochures and interpretation are available
on all our efficiency features.
If you have photovoltaic questions, contact us at 362-0664 or the following places:.
Iowa Energy Center
Floyd Borwig, Director
www.energy.iastate.edu
2521 Elwood Dr., Suite 124
Ames, IA 50010-8263
Iowa Renewable Energy Association
Del Christenson, President
Teresa Sieckert, Membership Coordinator
www.irenew.org
Go Solar
Dennis Pottratz
718 Mechanic Street
Decorah, IA 52101
563-382-3242
gosolar@oneota.net
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