GDOT Annual Report 2019

G R E E N S B O R O T R A N S I T A G E N C Y

Downtown Depot Now Features Solar Panels

The J. Douglas Galyon Depot now has solar panels. The commercial system, which begin operating May 7, is a frst of its kind for the City of Greensboro. Installing the latest solar energy technology at the 92-year-old transit facility required a signifcant update to the electrical system and supporting structure. The panel manufacturer Ecolibrium Solar, Duke Energy, and Proterra, manufacturer of GTA’s battery-electric buses, assisted with the project. The system, mounted on the bus canopy roof, collects energy from the sun, which is used to power GTA’s new overhead battery-electric bus charger. During daily service, the Proterra electric vehicles entering the transfer center can connect with the powered canopy, powering up for the next service run. A portion of the electricity generated also powers the Depot itself, reducing the energy load for the facility. Due to the large 100 kilowatt system capacity, GTA’s solar array will also produce excess electricity that will be sold back to Duke.

The system is built to withstand 90 mile per hour winds and 15 pounds per square foot of snow load. The expected useful life is more than 35 years, although advances in technology will make upgrades benefcial within 6 to 8 years. The City received a rebate check from Duke for $75,000 less than 30 days later. “We have been preparing the solar roof program for the City for a while. There are plenty of roofs and territory on which to install and operate. With additional funding for the solar program, more city structures can get their energy needs met with rooftop solar,” said City of Greensboro Energy Management Engineer Sergey Kobelev.

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