The Athens City-County Health Department in Ohio is now equipped with 20 photovoltaic panels. The panels were installed by Shell Solar and one of its solar contractors, Third Sun Solar and Wind Power. The solar panels will provide backup power to the department during emergency situations. According to Shell Solar, the new system will help to generate sufficient power to operate critical loads in the building, including refrigerators that store vaccines and key communications equipment, such as computers, telephones, and fax machines. The company also reports that the electricity this system produces during the day will be fed back into the local grid, which can lead to lower electric bills for the health department, as well as help address air quality and other environmental issues.

- compiled by J.J. Siegel

Publication date: 05/03/2004