MENU
SECTIONS
OTHER
CLASSIFIEDS
CONTACT US / FAQ
Advertisement
Baker
2
MORE

Toledo Zoo dedicates new $1.5M SolarWalk

The Blade/Dave Zapotosky

Toledo Zoo dedicates new $1.5M SolarWalk

Don't look now, but the Toledo Zoo has a new attraction called the SolarWalk that might just be your best friend next summer.

Contrary to what the name implies, you won't be walking in bare feet on any sun-hot surface.

Nope, you'll have access to what little shade exists in the zoo's main parking lot off Anthony Wayne Trail courtesy of a $1.5 million, 1,400-foot walkway with a roof made of electricity-producing solar panels.

Advertisement

The panels, donated by First Solar Inc., aren't assembled into your basic array.

Zoo Executive Director Anne Baker said they've been artistically arranged on a series of bright orange poles, with graphic panels on each to describe some aspect or benefit of alternative energy.

There are multiple knee-high ledges, each about the width of a love seat, where visitors can

rest during those hot and sweaty days when they're catching a breath on their way to or from their automobiles.

Advertisement

The lighting on top of the walkway consists of a series of hand-blown glass globes, courtesy of the Toledo Museum of Art, Ms. Baker said.

"By using cleaner and greener energy, we become better stewards of the Earth," Ms. Baker told about 100 people attending Tuesday's dedication of the walkway. "It inspires others to join us."

The project began in August. Along with First Solar's contribution, it was made possible largely from in-kind services and grants from Rudolph/Libbe Inc. and the Ohio Department of Development, respectively. Much of the engineering and design work was provided by First Solar and Rudolph/Libbe, Ms. Baker said.

The panels are expected to produce only 1.5 percent of the zoo's electrical needs, but they complement other steps the zoo has taken to reduce emissions, such as the installation of a parking-lot wind turbine in 2008 and the inclusion of geothermal heating and cooling in some building upgrades.

"It sounds small, but we use a lot of energy," Ms. Baker said of the anticipated contribution from the solar panels. She said, though, they generated a little more electricity than expected during a test run.

SolarWalk was unveiled along with an electronic kiosk that will give visitors up-to-date statistics on how much electricity the panels have produced.

The kiosk also has an interactive feature for visitors to learn more about conserving energy and fossil fuels.

"We're proud to help the zoo in its renewable efforts," Carol Campbell, First Solar executive vice president of human resources, said.

The solar panels will produce about 104,435 kilowatt hours of electricity each year, enough to power 10 average-sized Ohio homes. That will save 75 metric tons a year of carbon dioxide, she said.

Carbon dioxide is the most prevalent greenhouse gas associated with climate change.

Contact Tom Henry at:

thenry@theblade.com

or 419-724-6079.

First Published November 17, 2010, 7:49 p.m.

RELATED
SHOW COMMENTS  
Join the Conversation
We value your comments and civil discourse. Click here to review our Commenting Guidelines.
Must Read
Partners
Advertisement
Baker  (The Blade/Dave Zapotosky)  Buy Image
Toledo Zoo Executive Director Anne Baker, at right, describes the 1,400-foot SolarWalk. First Solar, Rudolph/Libbe, and the Ohio Department of Development provided materials and grants.  (The Blade/Dave Zapotosky)  Buy Image
The Blade/Dave Zapotosky
Advertisement
LATEST local
Advertisement
Pittsburgh skyline silhouette
TOP
Email a Story