Project Details: Fast-track design and installation of the 16.72 kW photovoltaic system at Camp Harbor View in Boston Harbor. The solar project commenced November 22, 2008 and was completed by December 17, as the NECA contractor met an aggressive project timeline so that the system was fully installed prior to the onset of harsh winter weather.
Lighthouse supervised the three-person installation team from IBEW Local 103, which consisted of one foreman, one journeyman and one apprentice electrician, headed by Lighthouse principal and project manager Herbert Aikens and Renewable Energy Division Manager, Newell Thomas. Lighthouse provided its services meeting the budgetary needs of the camp’s non-profit owner, Camp Harbor View Foundation, which operates the camp in partnership with the City of Boston and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston.
The 12,120 square foot camp building, which houses administrative offices, classrooms, an activity room, and kitchen has a south-facing roof, ideal for the installed solar system. The photovoltaic system comprises eighty-eight (88) 190 Watt Evergreen Solar panels,
manufactured by Evergreen Solar of Marlboro, Massachusetts. Integral to the system are three (3) 5000 Watt Solectria inverters, required to convert the DC power (generated by the solar modules) to AC power for use in the building.
The annual electrical output of the photovoltaic system is estimated to be 21,000 kWh. The PV system is interconnected to the camp’s main panel and, in essence, is a parallel generator, supplying power directly to all loads at the camp in the same manner as grid power. The system is used to help educate children on the benefits of solar energy.
