Solar Energy Project to be Unveiled Tuesday

On Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m. city officials, contractors and special guest Jason Walsh, senior advisor, Energy, Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy will unveil and demonstrate a new Sunlit City Parks initiative and educational program at J.W. Cate Recreation Center, 5801 22nd Avenue N.

A brief presentation about the overall program will follow opening remarks.

Using a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, the project includes installation of interconnected solar photovoltaic panels at 18 city parks and recreational sites, including one recreational center with a battery storage system.

Also included is the Educational Innovation Center (EIC), formerly known as the Science Center of Pinellas County which serves as the educational partner for the project. Educational kiosks complement many of the installations so visitors can review the amount of electricity being produced by time of day, weather and other factors.