Page 135 - Zero Net Energy Case Study Buildings-Volume 2

THE EXPLORATORIUM
CASE STUDY NO. 11
• While some limitations on the solar panels by the historic preservation agencies was ex- pected, the nearby Telegraph Hill Neighborhood Association insisted that the solar photovol- taic panels be installed flat to the existing roof to minimize visual impact to the neighborhood, which is located a half-mile away.
• This in turn led to a major problem with the local sea bird population, who were attracted to the flat panel surfaces for nesting and perching. The result is an excessive amount of bird guano on the panels, severely affecting their performance. “Bird-safe” solutions are being tried but the Exploratorium has nevertheless committed to a much more intensive mainte- nance and cleaning program for the solar panels.
The net result of these impacts is that there is no margin for sub-ZNE performance due to weath- er (or extra bird activity). The Exploratorium considered using the roof of Pier 17 for additional PV panels serving both piers to provide some energy production margin, but the roof strengthening requirements for this ancillary building were deemed to be too expensive. The renewable energy supply for the Pier 15 building is therefore limited to the current installation. See Energy Produc- tion versus Energy Use: Zero Net Energy, below, for actual ZNE performance measurements for the first two years of occupancy.
PHOTO: AMY SNYDER ©EXPLORATORIUM
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PHOTO: AMY SNYDER ©EXPLORATORIUM