Detention Basin Used for Solar Power Space in N.J.

By Emily CatacchioStormwater detention basins reduce stormwater runoff, but they also take up a lot of space. At the Peddie boarding high school in East Windsor Township, New Jersey, ground-mounted solar collectors are being installed in one such basin to make more productive use of it. Peddie previously installed a rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system, which will contribute to the one million kilowatt hours per year the rooftop and basin systems are expected to produce; more than 20% of the school’s energy needs will be met with these systems. The installation was designed to avoid interference with water collection. Peddie opted for a power purchase agreement whereby a renewable energy development company purchased the solar panels and will sell the electricity to the school. The project is expected to be completed in June 2011.