Solar One, the Environmental Learning Center (Eco-Classroom)
Solar One is located at the north end Stuyvesant Cove park, on the East River, at the intersection of East 23rd St. and Avenue C. This classroom is the beginning of CEC's commitment to provide a comprehensive educational program concerning New York's urban environment and conservation techniques. The CEC staff can be reached at Solar One at 212-505-6050.
This small solar pavilion will demonstrate some of the prinicples of "green architechture", beginning with photovoltaic paneling (solar panels) on the roof, and possibly including a windmill, and a ground source heat pump (geothermal). Each of these environmentally sustainable, alternative energy-producing techniques will demonstrate the effectiveness of renewable energy sources and will be used as aids for educational workshops.
The eco-classroom will eventually generate more power than it actually consumes. As a result, CEC is working with ConEd so that electricity created by the photovoltaic paneling will be sold back to the power company. Amazingly, the electric meter on the classroom will visibly move backwards. Through this contuinual demonstration, park visitors will ultimately see firsthand the efficiency and practicality of generating power from renewable resources like water, wind, and sunlight.
The electricity produced will power the lighting and heating mechanisms in the classroom, The photovoltaic panelling will also power a sound amplifier that is necessary for the several performances and events that are planned for Stuyvesant Cove Park. Furthermore, over the course of the four year life of the building, it will be outfitted with a greywater irrigation system which will capture and filter water taken from washing fixtures such as showers, dishwashers, and sinks. The water will eventually be used to water the beautiful park landscape. CEC also plans to collect rainwater, which can then be used for irrigation and possibly even showering.
It is hoped that the eco-classroom may eventually become a constructive and useful hands-on teaching aid, increasing awareness about energy conservation and alternative sources of power.
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Solar powered systems convert sunlight energy into heat energy - often used to heat homes, cook food, and even heat water for bathing. Photovoltaic (or PV) systems convert sunlight energy into electricity, which can be used to power appliances, pump water, and provide lighting in homes. |
