The solar power project at the Landon Branch Library on Wortley Road was unveiled to the public this morning. The project, a unique partnership between the Old South Community Organization, London Public Library and the City of London, uses nothing more than sunshine and simple equipment with no moving parts to produce electricity.

Although other solar power projects are underway in London, this project's focus is to give Londoners a "hands-on" opportunity to see how solar power works. Just inside Landon Branch's foyer there is a display that includes an explanation of how the system works, solar power facts and an LCD monitor that is tied to the solar panels, showing in real time how much electricity is being generated, the amount of greenhouse gas emission being avoided, and how much revenue the solar panels are earning. The display is also available online at www.landonlibrary.solarvu.net . The project provides an example of green, sustainable power and demonstrates how it can be integrated into a house, neighbourhood or community.

"This solar power project showcases what's possible now," says Bob Porter, OSCO President, who initiated the project. "This isn't future technology -- it's here and it's becoming more affordable every day. With high urban density, annual tree-planting projects and a strong contingent of pedestrians and cyclists, Old South is a "green-focused" community so this project just fits."

The project developed from an initial idea in 2008. London Public Library came aboard quickly and enthusiastically. But without sufficient resources, the project was not moving forward until the partners became aware the City of London was looking for a site to host a solar demonstration project. The parties were brought together through the Mayor's Sustainable Energy Council (MSEC).

“One of our key MSEC goals is to support the development and implementation of practical technologies and green initiatives in our community,” says Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best. “With this in mind, the City and our Energy Council are very excited to promote the Landon solar power project, as a fun and interactive way to involve Londoners in energy conservation, while also helping to protect our environment for future generations.”

With the City on board to provide funding for the panels, the Library Board providing a site and in-kind services and the Old South Community Organization funding the educational component, the project gained momentum. An additional benefit to the Library was a contract with the Ontario Power Authority, which is purchasing all the green power produced from the project for the next 20 years. The project will pay for itself over the next 11 years.

The Library has adopted a "greening up" theme starting in March and continuing throughout the year.  "We are featuring programs, activities and events aimed at raising awareness of the various initiatives the Library - and Londoners of all ages -can, and are doing to be environmentally responsible," says Library CEO Susanna Hubbard Krimmer.  "It will be fun for all of us to see energy being collected in real time at Landon Branch and to get a sense of how much energy can be saved through even a small project like this."

On the roof of the library, 14 solar panels can each generate up to 175 watts. Over the course of a very sunny hour, 2.45 kilowatt hours can be produced in total. During testing in February, the panels produced over 125 kilowatt hours, reducing emissions of carbon dioxide - a greenhouse gas - by over 80 kgs.

About OSCO

The Old South Community Organization has represented the common interests of Old South since 1975.  OSCO is a non-profit, volunteer-run community organization with over 500 members; we encourage active participation in improving the quality of life in our community and our city. OSCO meets from September to June on the second Tuesday of the month, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., at Landon Branch Library, 167 Wortley Rd. Please find us at www.oscolondon.ca

About London Public Library

Energy saving, environmentally conscious initiatives are in place at all 16 London Public Library locations.  The Library is especially proud to be a part of the new North London Community Recreation Centre, YMCA and Library facility being built to the highest (Gold) standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. "Greening up" programs for all Londoners aimed at providing education and raising awareness of environmental responsibility will be featured throughout the year and will culminate in the opening of the very "green" North London Community Recreation Centre, YMCA and Library Branch at Sunningdale and Adelaide later this year.

About the City of London

The City of London, through the RETHINK Energy London public consultation process, is asking Londoners to "RETHINK" how we live, travel and work in London. The City has already been working on ideas and programs, and now it's time to hear from Londoners about the right mix of education-based, incentive-based, and by-law based tools needed to move forward on sustainable energy, climate change, and air quality. Visit www.london.ca/rethinkenergy for more information.

About the Mayor’s Sustainable Energy Council (MSEC)

The MSEC mandate is to promote, encourage and support the development and implementation of practical research and initiatives, technologies, and investment in the area of sustainable energy, including energy conservation, efficiency, and alternative energy for the sustainable economic and environmental benefit and use of London and surrounding region.