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WisconSUN Case Study:
Madison's Labor Temple Hall
- Installed: December 2000
- Renewable energy technology: 1.2 kW, tracking PV system
- 2.2 kW Omnion inverter
- Eighteen 65-watt BP Solarex polycrystalline PV modules
- Dual-axis motor driven rack
- Designed by: Jim Kerbel of PV Systems Co., Amherst, WI
- Installed by: Andrew Bangert of H&H Co. Inc., Madison, WI
- Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Madison's Labor Temple Hall is the first union hall in Wisconsin to use solar energy for generating electricity. Electricians from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) of Union Local 159 installed the PV system as part of a course offered to master electricians.
The Union Hall system includes two strategies to maximize power production. First, it uses a dual-axis tracking system that keeps the panels perpendicular to the sun, thereby increasing energy production by 34% compared to a fixed panel. Second, a photo sensor is used to turn off the inverter at night. This reduces internal energy losses.
Mr. Andrew Bangert, a master electrician and solar power specialist with H&H Electric Company Inc. and a member of Union Local 159, led the Labor Temple PV project. Already other Wisconsin IBEW union locals are eager to follow in the Madison union's footsteps. Bangert says he sees a bright future for photovoltaic systems in Wisconsin.
The system is located at 1602 Park Street on the corner of Park St. and Wingra Ave on Madison's south side. For more information contact Andrew Bangert at 608.249.5998, solartime@worldnet.att.net.
Photo credit
Andrew Bangert
copyright © 2001 WisconSUN
