Alabama Power is partnering with the Birmingham Zoo, TradeWind Energy, Inc., and Enel Green Power North America (EGP, NA) on a solar power education and research project.

An array of 280 solar panels – 150 feet long and 32 feet wide – has been installed atop the pergola in the Junior League of Birmingham – Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo. Alabama Power will have rights to the energy generated from the 56 kilowatt (AC) system and will monitor the system to study its efficiency in real-world conditions. The Birmingham Zoo, in turn, will receive renewable energy certificates from Alabama Power.

The solar system was gifted to the zoo by Kansas-based Buffalo Dunes Wind Project, LLC, and Oklahoma-based Chisholm View Wind Project, LLC. The two projects, developed by TradeWind, are generating wholesale energy for Alabama Power under long term purchase-power agreements. TradeWind is a strategic partner with EGP, NA on renewable energy projects.

Under its agreements, Alabama Power can keep or sell the energy it receives from Buffalo Dunes and Chisholm View, and keep or sell the associated renewable energy certificates – either separately from the energy or as a package. Alabama Power will have the same options with the energy and renewable energy certificates produced by the new solar system at the Birmingham Zoo.

“The Birmingham Zoo is proud to take part in this unique opportunity. This supports the zoo’s conservation mission by exploring the sustainability of solar generation as a future, economic energy supply option,” said Dr. William R. Foster, president and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo.

In addition to generating energy from the sun, the solar panels create a shaded area underneath the pergola for the enjoyment of zoo visitors. Alabama Power also has installed an educational kiosk at the children’s zoo, where visitors can view how much energy the system is producing, as well as view the energy production from other Alabama Power renewable research projects around the state.

Alabama Power continues to test solar energy and other renewable energy technologies, so it can inform customers about their energy options. Although solar energy technologies are improving, the cost remains higher than conventional forms of energy, particularly in the Southeast, where cloudy and muggy conditions significantly reduce their efficiency.

“We are excited to participate with the Birmingham Zoo, TradeWind, and Enel Green Power North America on this educational opportunity,” said Liz Philpot, renewable resources manager for Alabama Power. “This solar demonstration project will help show our customers how solar photovoltaic systems perform in Alabama, as well as support the Birmingham Zoo in meeting its environmental goals.”