First Solar Inc. to build 250kW solar energy system as part of
"net-zero" initiative at the National Historic Landmark
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, in conjunction with energy efficiency
consultant Big Green Zero, today announced the launch of Energizing
Taliesin West™, a pioneering initiative integrating sustainable
energy at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Ariz. To
kick off the initiative, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation has partnered
with First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR), one of the world's leading solar
companies, to install a 250 kW (AC) solar photovoltaic (PV) array at
Taliesin West.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West launches a "net-zero" initiative by partnering with First Solar to build a 250kW solar array on the property grounds. (Photo: Business Wire)
Energizing Taliesin West™ is a groundbreaking effort to transform
the entire National Historic Landmark Taliesin West site into a "net
zero" energy customer, producing as much energy as it consumes annually,
while maintaining the historic and architectural integrity of the site.
The comprehensive endeavor will focus on the twin goals of maximizing
Taliesin West's energy efficiency (through improved lighting,
insulation, climate controls and other techniques) while also generating
clean renewable energy on-site.
Arizona-based First Solar is a premier provider of complete solar PV
systems, and has developed and installed some of the largest and most
noteworthy solar projects in the world. Approximately 4,000 of the
company's sleek, black solar modules will generate clean electricity for
Taliesin West, helping it achieve the goal of becoming a net-zero energy
consumer. As part of its commitment to the local communities where it
operates, First Solar, with help from several key suppliers, is donating
the complete custom-designed ground-mounted solar PV system.
The panels will not be visible from anywhere in the historic core of
Taliesin West, nor will tour guests be able to see the panels from any
location during their entire tour experience — maintaining the historic
integrity of Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio. However,
intentionally, guests will be able to see the impressive solar array
from the road before they arrive at Taliesin West to take their tour —
celebrating the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's commitment to
sustainable energy. Every year, more than 100,000 tourists come to
Scottsdale to experience Taliesin West, which also houses the Frank
Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.
"I couldn't be more excited about this partnership with Big Green Zero
and First Solar," said Sean Malone, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright
Foundation. "This is an extraordinary opportunity; the goal of making a
world-famous National Historic Landmark site entirely self-sustaining is
unprecedented. And we're going to make it happen. The endeavor will have
a broad and deep impact for sustainability efforts throughout America
and across the globe. And, importantly, the initiative is entirely
consistent with the values of Taliesin West: innovation, an evolving
site, embracing new technology, celebrating nature and strategic use of
resources."
"Frank Lloyd Wright is synonymous with innovation in architecture and
design, and we share the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's passion to
forward his legacy — by integrating sustainable energy into his work,"
said Larry Whittet, First Solar project manager for the Taliesin West
solar project. "Taliesin West is a global architectural landmark that
has captivated the imagination of visitors for 75 years, and we are
proud to be part of this historic undertaking,"
The Energizing Taliesin West program was initiated after a recent
energy assessment by Big Green Zero. The assessment indicated that
Taliesin West's energy bills could be reduced by as much as 51 percent
through simple conservation methods. In addition, the property has
potential to achieve a "Big Green Zero" by producing as much renewable
energy as it uses each year.
"The Foundation is proud to announce First Solar as a partner in
achieving our sustainability goals," said Robert Roth, Ph.D., CEO of Big
Green Zero. "As a local company focused on harnessing Arizona's most
abundant natural energy source — the sun — First Solar will provide
Taliesin West with state-of-the-art solar panels in order to reach the
property's goal of producing as much energy as it consumes."
"This year marks the 75th anniversary of Taliesin West," adds
Malone, "a perfect time to focus on the future. Energizing Taliesin
West does just that — it celebrates the future of the Frank Lloyd
Wright Foundation, and our future as a society."
About the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation
The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is a non-profit organization that was
established by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1940 to be a cultural and
educational institution and the primary conservator of his work. The
Foundation owns two world-famous National Historic Landmarks — Taliesin
in Spring Green, Wis. and Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Ariz. — both open
to inspire the public. The Foundation also owns and manages the vast Frank
Lloyd Wright Archives and operates the Frank Lloyd Wright School of
Architecture, a continuation of the apprenticeship program Wright
established in 1932. www.franklloydwright.org
About Big Green Zero
Big Green Zero, LLC is a team of sustainable energy engineers, project
planners and historic preservation enthusiasts. The team provides
commercial and institutional property owners with commercial-grade
energy assessments and sustainable energy project planning services. Big
Green Zero is developing and managing the Energizing Taliesin WestTM project.
http://www.biggreenzero.com/
About First Solar, Inc.
First Solar manufactures solar modules with an advanced semiconductor
technology, and is a premier provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV)
system solutions. The company is delivering an economically viable
alternative to fossil-fuel generation today. From raw material sourcing
through end-of-life collection and recycling, First Solar is focused on
creating value-driven renewable energy solutions that protect and
enhance the environment. For more information about First Solar, please
visit www.firstsolar.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50181560&lang=en
First Solar
Ted Meyer
(602) 427-3318
ted.meyer@firstsolar.com
or
Frank
Lloyd Wright Foundation
Nicole Minadeo
(312) 768-4744
Nicole.minadeo@resoluteconsulting.com
or
Big
Green Zero
Bob Roth
(480) 287-6009
bobr@biggreenzero.com
Source: First Solar, Inc.
News Provided by Acquire Media