July 14, 2014
For Immediate Release
Contact: Rick Gilbert, rgilbert@solarsource.net, (727) 572-4247 x 125
Interactive Solar Exhibit at LEGOLAND Teaches Children Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Skills
Solar Source installs 30-kW solar array at LEGOLAND with funding from Tampa Electric’s Renewable Energy Program.
Largo, FL - Solar Source installed a 30-kW solar panel array at LEGOLAND Florida’s Imagination Zone with funding from Tampa Electric’s Renewable Energy program. LEGOLAND took the array to the next level, opening a solar power exhibit featuring an interactive 6-foot LEGO Earth model.
Solar Source mounted multi-crystalline panels to the roof of the Imagination Zone: a hands-on learning & activity center in the theme park.
The new LEGO Earth exhibit demonstrates how solar technology works and allows visitors to manipulate the panels to understand how they generate solar electricity. The solar energy generated on the rooftop powers an interactive exhibit inside of the Imagination Zone where guests can interact with model communities made out of LEGOs.
“We are proud to put our technology on display to increase exposure and provide educational opportunities for children and their parents,” said Rick Gilbert, Vice President of Solar Source.
LEGOLAND is not the first theme park that Solar Source has worked with; for instance they installed a solar water heating system for Disney Parks. Solar Source has a history of working with public and private partners, such as the City of St. Petersburg, Lowry Park Zoo, and Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) to provide solar power installations that not only produce electricity, but also educate the public on the benefits of clean, renewable energy.
“It’s fitting that some of TECO’s renewable energy “blocks” were built with LEGO bricks,” said Gilbert. “They serve two purposes: producing electricity, and enhancing awareness.”
Tampa Electric funded the LEGOLAND project as a part of their Renewable Energy program that gives customers the option to purchase “blocks” of renewable energy. Located in Lakeland, LEGOLAND Florida is the largest LEGOLAND Park in the world. The iconic “LEGO” bricks encourage children to explore their imagination and challenge their creativity.
According to the American Solar Energy Industry, U.S. solar capacity has quadrupled in the last four years – growing 418 percent from 2010-2014. The U.S. installed 1,330 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) in the first quarter of 2014, up 79 percent over Q1 2013.
About Solar Source
Headquartered in Largo, Florida Solar Source (Constructive Resource, Inc. dba Solar Source) is licensed solar electrical, and general contracting firm with additional locations in Ontario, Canada and New Jersey. Solar Source specializes in industrial, commercial, and residential projects including photovoltaic (PV), solar water heating and pool heating. Projects include the first rooftop megawatt (MW) PV system in Florida, the largest PV system in Cuba at Guantanamo Naval Base, the largest solar pool heater in the world, in Mexico and solar heating systems for the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia and Athens, Greece. Solar Source is also the founding entity of Solar Source Institute, a licensed, accredited educational facility that provides solar training for the construction industry.
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Ben Piper: May 30, 2023
