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GOING GREEN
Why Live Green?
The Center's Green Features
Tours
What's Up With the Solar Panels?
LEED Gold Certification
Resources
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Solar Panels
How It Works
Solar panels are made up of silicone cells that develop a charge when exposed to sunlight.
The cells convert the solar energy (photons) into electrical energy (volts), and that direct current (DC) is then changed into alternating current (AC) for use in the building.
The High Point Center will use this energy in combination with other electricity from Seattle City Light. During the summer, surplus energy can be directed back into the electrical grid for use by other customers.
Did You Know?
- The High Point Center's 256-panel array is already the largest on a building in the entire state of Washington.
- Neighborhood House has launched the Solar Panel Challenge to raise $100,000 for a second solar array.
- A second array will allow all the rooftop panels to generate about 90 kilowatts, enough to make the High Point Center largely independent and one of the few electricity-neutral structures in the state.
- The solar panels will save Neighborhood House $20,000 to $30,000 per year, every year -- critical funds that, instead of going to electricity bills, will go go right back into our programs and services.
At Home
Use the power of the sun to heat and cool your house. Close the drapes on warm sunny days to keep the house cool. On cooler days, capture the sun's warmth by opening the drapes to heat things up!
Resources
- Click here to see how much energy the High Point Center's solar panels are generating right now!
- Solar Washington
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