Kyocera Announced 96.4-Kilowatt Solar Electric Installation

The system, composed of 576 Kyocera 200-watt PV modules, was designed and installed by Independent Energy Solutions, Inc. (IES) of Vista, California, and is expected to generate approximately 136,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year.



Solar energy is an important part of the museum's new architecture and commitment to sustainable design for the community. Designed by renowned architect Rob Wellington Quigley, the environmentally friendly, modern structure is made from recycled building materials - and in addition to the solar electric system, will feature water-saving devices, natural day lighting and convection cooling, making CMSD one of the first "green" museums in California.



Located on the rooftop of the new CMSD building, the museum's solar electric system will be used to provide power to the 3-level, 50,000 sq ft. building, which is expected to officially open in May of 2008. Nearly doubling in square footage from its previous space, the building will contain 13,000 sq ft. of galleries, a public lobby, retail stores, indoor and outdoor cafes, activity areas, as well as a 2,500 sq ft. performance space. The building will also house a 6,000 sq ft. educational center and offices for the museum staff.