The Columbia Museum of Art was awarded $100,906 to install solar panels on the roof of its building. These will reduce the amount of energy the museum has to purchase. The grant, awarded by the S.C. Budget and Control Board’s State Energy Office, is one of nine renewable energy projects funded by the energy office that are part of $2.8 million awarded to non– profit organizations and government entities in South Carolina through funds made available by the federal government in Washington, DC.
“This project is a great example of using renewable energy to improve the environment and the economy,” John Clark, director of the energy office, said. “Patrons of the museum will be able to learn more about solar technology as they see it work first hand.”
This scalable project fosters market penetration of renewable energy technology by promoting the benefits of solar power production. The museum will endorse a cleaner, healthier environment by utilizing a renewable resource to reduce and displace its traditional electricity consumption. There are currently no solar projects of this size in the city of Columbia.
“We are thrilled to be making technological advances that are greatly impacting our environment. This project provides a foundation to build upon to combat rising energy costs,” museum executive director Karen Brosius said.
The museum is in the planning stages for the project that will be completed by December 2011.
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