Hart Solar Panel System Celebrated

"We work to embrace technologies that create sustainable and cost-efficient energy reduction measures while maintaining the historic integrity of our buildings," said Architect of the Capitol Stephen T. Ayers, who joined United States Senate and AOC staff on the roof of the Hart Senate Office Building to celebrate the completion of the photovoltaic power system earlier today. "This project is one of our most recent efforts to save energy and be great stewards of taxpayers' dollars," said Ayers. 

"This project is one of our most recent efforts to save energy and be great stewards of taxpayers' dollars."

The Hart solar array is a photovoltaic power system that generates approximately 179,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. "The completed Hart Solar Panel project reduces the adverse environmental impact of a hardscape roof and makes our facilities more sustainable," said Takis Tzamaras, Superintendent of the Senate.    

In addition to the solar panel system, the Architect of the Capitol continues to implement a variety of energy savings measures including modernization projects that have addressed degraded mechanical and electrical equipment and upgrades to the automation controls for heating, ventilation, air condition and lighting.

Over the last 10 years, the Architect of the Capitol's energy conservation program has produced savings valued at $94 million. Annual savings through this program equals the power consumed in 15,000 homes.