Photovoltaic panels generate electricity in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner through the absorption and conversion of sunlight. At Matthews Recreation Center, the solar-generated electricity reduces the building’s reliance on conventional sources of electricity. The PV panels have been in operation since 2005, but the Heliotronic viewer system required an extended trial period to remove programming errors. Volunteers completed this process in the spring of 2007. This viewer system monitors short and long-term energy production of the panels in relation to season, sun angle, and weather conditions and produces graphs of the amount of energy produced. Energy production is also monitored by a reverse meter installed by Xcel Energy; this meter allows the MPRB to be credited for the electricity generated by the panels.

Once a connection between the viewer system and Seward Montessori School (located adjacent to the Recreation Center) computers is achieved, the panels and viewer system will be available for incorporation into curriculum at the school.

This solar panel project, initiated and primarily funded by the Seward Neighborhood Group, was also supported through grants and rebates from Xcel Energy and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

For more information on King’s Fair, visit www.sng.org.