WOW! has solar panels!  You can see how much electricity they are generating here.  In November 2011 the panels generated 252 kilowatt hours of electricity, which is enough to light the museum for one week.  The solar panels generate even more electricity in the summer, when the days are longer and the sun is higher in the sky.

There’s more!  Thanks to a grant from the City of Lafayette Energy Sustainability Advisory Committee and a donation from Brayden Automation, WOW! installed a Demand Control System to monitor and regulate electricity use.  As a result of this system, WOW! is not only saving electricity, but also saving money that can be better spent on exhibits and programs.

These changes and upgrades were all made in 2011, guided by an Xcel Energy Audit conducted in late 2010.  How much did we save with these changes?

In November 2010, WOW! spent $721.27 for 3280 kwh of electricity from Xcel Energy.  In November 2011, WOW! generated 252 kwh of electricity from the solar panels and spent $228.91 for an additional 2400 kwh of electricity from Xcel Energy.  That’s a savings of 880 kwh and $492.36!

Other ways WOW! is conserving energy:

• fluorescent light bulbs to save electricity
• programmed thermostats and added roof insulation to save natural gas
• low water flush toilets to save water

Energy saving tips for your home:

• Energy Savers Guide (U.S. Department of Energy)
• Responsible by Nature (Xcel Energy)

Fun energy activity websites for kids:

• Energy Kids (U.S. Energy Information Administration)
• Energy Star Kids (Energy Star)