Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Goes Green
Visitors peeking through the periscope in the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center’s Space Theater lobby will spot a new addition to the museum’s roof: more than 10,000 square feet of solar panels. Upon its expected completion in early April, the new solar panel system will generate clean electricity for the San Diego region and serve as the centerpiece of an upcoming exhibition on energy and electricity.
Unlike most rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, the panels at the Fleet will be owned and operated by San Diego Gas & Electric and generate electricity for the region’s power grid, not just the Balboa Park institution. They will also serve as a demonstration project for other organizations considering hosting PV systems.
The installation, which is the first of its size in Balboa Park, will generate over 100 kW of electricity at peak capacity - enough to power 65 typical San Diego homes or 1,700 60-watt light bulbs. By replacing fossil-fuel generated power, the PV system will prevent roughly 60 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere each year - equivalent to planting 16 acres of trees!
“We’re glad the Fleet can take a leadership role on such an important issue,” said Dr. Jeffrey Kirsch, the Fleet Science Center’s executive director. “Not only will this project provide more clean electricity for the region, it will be an important element of our education efforts for the entire community. Moreover, by helping to reduce carbon emissions locally, we’re helping mitigate the effects of climate change globally.”
This August, the Fleet Science Center will unveil a new permanent exhibition called “So WATT!” With colorful, interactive displays and hands-on demonstrations, the exhibition will help visitors understand the basics of electricity, photovoltaics and other sources of electricity. The exhibition also will provide visitors with ideas on how to conserve electricity at home and at work.
The solar array and energy exhibition are just two steps in the Fleet’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility. In 2005, the Fleet began the extensive process of becoming certified by the U.S. Green Building Council, a recognition only six San Diego county buildings have achieved. As a result of this process, the Fleet has already made significant progress in reducing its impact on the environment, including projects that have dramatically reduced energy and water consumption. For example, the Fleet consumes less electricity today than it did prior to its 1998 expansion, which doubled the size of the facility.
The Fleet Science Center is also the newest member of the San Diego Foundation’s Climate Smart initiative, designed to deepen community awareness about the local impacts of climate change and catalyze regional action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a Climate Smart partner, the Fleet will develop science exhibitions and education programs that present the latest climate change research, as well as hands-on exhibits that provide tips on how to make a positive difference at home or work. The Fleet will bring IMAX® films addressing climate change issues to San Diego, such as WATER PLANET (Spring 2008), for which Dr. Kirsch serves as a principal advisor. Dr. Kirsch also chairs the Education Committee for the Association of Science-Technology Centers’ climate change initiative, “International action on GLObal warming” (IGLO)” which will release a climate change “toolkit” of resources for use by science centers and museums around the world.