Video: WTNH ABC 8 New Haven reports that the Branford Fire Department (CT) has switched on a 27,000 watt solar power system.
The new $12.5 million firehouse just opened last month, but the big new building almost didn’t get its solar panels.
“The system was actually, at the beginning of the project, value engineered out because of cost,” said Chief Ahern. “We were fortunate and saved money when we were building the new facility, enough so that we were able to put the solar panels back on the building.”
With the panels and other green systems, the firehouse will now operate using virtually no fossil fuels.
“In addition to helping the environment this is also designed to help the taxpayers of Branford by saving them money,” said Chris Lenda, Aegis Solar Energy. “On a sunny day like this, they could actually produce more electricity with these solar panels than they actually use.
