SEEDS

Update on Lacawac Sanctuary’s Solar PV system

July 8, 2020

Almost exactly two years ago, SEEDS of Northeastern Pennsylvania partnered with the Lacawac Sanctuary to raise funds for a new solar photovoltaic (PV) system on their visitor center and laboratory building, with SEEDS volunteers providing the labor to install it. The nearly $12,000 of equipment required for the project was jointly funded by donations made to the Lacawac Foundation and SEEDS, thanks to the joint efforts of SEEDS’ then executive director Jocelyn Cramer, and Craig Lukatch, president of Lacawac.

To reap the full benefits of this project, SEEDS held its popular DIY Solar Installation Workshop in Lacawac on June 13th and 14th, providing attendees a very direct way to help the project and learn the basics of solar installation. Then on June 23rd, SEEDS invited volunteers who have taken the workshop (this year or any prior year) to help finish the system installation.

The following array wiring plan was proposed:

By the end of June, the installation of 28 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the south-facing roof of the Lacawac Sanctuary Visitors Center near Lake Ariel was completed. The 8.4-kilowatt capacity system was expected to provide nearly 90% of the annual electricity used in the building, which includes Lacawac Sanctuary’s main offices and biology research laboratory, saving them more than $1100 in yearly operating costs. As of today, the system produced 15.3MWh in two years, avoiding:

3 lbs of SO2
2 lbs of NOX
1 ton of CO2
¼ lbs of PM2.5

This project in the news:

SEEDS 2 Night DIY Solar Workshop – http://wayneconservation.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1368&month=6&year=2018&day=29&calType=0

SEEDS volunteers power Lacawac center – https://riverreporter.com/stories/seeds-volunteers-power-lacawac-center,17517?

SEEDS Volunteers Power Lacawac Sanctuary Visitors Center – https://waynepikenews.com/seeds-volunteers-power-lacawac-sanctuary-visitors-center-p1737-178.htm

SEEDS volunteers power Lacawac Sanctuary Visitors Center – https://www.tricountyindependent.com/news/20180909/seeds-volunteers-power-lacawac-sanctuary-visitors-center

DIY Solar Workshop Includes Installation – https://www.pikechamber.com/newsletter-full.php?date=June%202018&newstid=1597

State Grants Awarded For Two Wayne County Recreation Projects – https://www.senatorbaker.com/2019/11/15/state-grants-awarded-for-two-wayne-county-recreation-projects/

Lacawac Receives $300,000 in Grants to Support its New Environmental Education Center and Programs – https://www.lacawac.org/news–events/lacawac-receives-300000-in-grants-to-support-its-new-environmental-education-center-and-programs

SEEDS is a non-profit 501.c.3 organization promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy and sustainable living in our region. Visit www.seedsgroup.net to join the SEEDS e-newsletter list to be notified of all upcoming forums and workshops.

SEEDS thanks Gordon Smith of Renewable Energy Solutions, and Blair Buselli of Buselli Solutions for lending their expertise and experience to this project. Both serve on the SEEDS Advisory Committee and are licensed electricians and experienced solar installers in our region.