Boulder’s Independent Power Systems to install solar panels at Pearl Street Store
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, Inc., is set to become Boulder’s only solar-power-producing pharmacy. The company just installed 20 panels on the awning outside of its downtown Boulder store, located at 1647 Pearl St. The panels were installed by Boulder-based Independent Power Systems (IPS), and will generate approximately 5,400 kWh per year, offsetting nearly 100 tons of carbon dioxide over the next 30 years (equivalent to not driving about 200,000 miles).

The 3.72 kW Sanyo Hit Double panels were selected for their unique ability to generate electricity not only from direct sunlight on the front of the panel, but also from ambient light from reflected surfaces on the back of the panel. In addition, the partially transparent design allows sunlight to pass through the panel, creating a unique light environment at the entrance to the store. Monitors installed at the front entrance of the store, visible to both customers and passersby, will feature data about real-time energy collection and carbon offsets.

To celebrate the installation, Pharmaca and IPS will host a “Turn On” Party on Saturday, Jan. 15. The event will be held from 2-4 p.m., and will be free and open to the public. In addition to tasty organic snacks and shopping discounts, customers can look forward to talking with staff from IPS about in-home solar installation, sign up to receive free home assessments and enter a raffle to win exciting prizes, including a solar backpack and a gift basket of Pharmaca’s eco-friendly home products.

Tips from experts at Independent Power Systems for those interested in in-home solar installation:
•    South is always the optimal orientation for solar panel placement. East and west are also entirely viable orientations.
•    Solar panels vary somewhat in their design and efficiency. For crystalline photovoltaic (PV) panels, efficiencies range from about 13 percent to over 19 percent. Depending on the size of the PV array (an average size is about 5.5 kW) and the electrical demands of a household, the system may even cover all of the electrical consumption.
•    Most PV systems are tied to the electrical grid. When the sun is shining, the system can sometimes produce enough energy to power the house and feed energy back into the meter. Here in Boulder, if there has been a surplus of energy produced by the PV array, the utility company will write a check to the customer or simply bank the energy credit for when the home needs to pull energy from the grid.
•    Normal rain and snowfall will keep PV panels clean enough. If dust, bird droppings or snow accumulate, panel-owners should carefully hose or clean off the panels to keep them working at maximum capacity.

Customers can get even more great advice during the event on Jan. 15.

For more information about the event, visit Pharmaca’s website.

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