Freedom Solar Power celebrates inauguration of Austin’s largest rooftop solar array

Our client Freedom Solar Power inaugurated the largest rooftop solar installation in Central Texas at the Strictly Pediatrics Surgery Center in Mueller at a festive celebration on June 18.

Comprised of nearly 2,500 solar panels, the 812-kilowatt system designed and installed by Freedom Solar features two solar canopy structures on the parking garage, a roof-mounted solar array on the building, and an in-lobby monitoring system that shows the energy savings in real time.

Because medical centers operate 24 hours per day every day and much of their equipment runs on electrical power, they are some of the largest users of electricity in their communities. The solar installation is expected to offset 50 percent of Strictly Pediatrics’ energy needs and generate more than 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year— all without noise, pollution, or radiation.

Over the life of the system, the solar array will offset 21,466 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. This is comparable to 6,812 tons of waste being recycled instead of going to a landfill, or 171 acres of forest being preserved.

“In addition to saving lives, now Strictly Pediatrics will also save a ton of money on its operating costs,” says Kyle Frazier, Freedom Solar Power’s director of sales. “The solar project will pay for itself in less than seven years and save Strictly Pediatrics more than $3 million over the next 25 years, the guaranteed lifetime of the system.”

The project features 327-watt high-efficiency solar panels from SunPower, which are the most efficient available today and are unmatched in reliability with an expected useful life of more than 40 years. Freedom Solar is a SunPower Master Dealer, the only company with that distinction in Texas.

“We have been looking for innovative ways to strategically manage our energy and help the environment,” says Dr. Mark Smith, founder and board member of Strictly Pediatrics. “As health care professionals, we strive to promote good health and a healthy environment in the community. We’re thrilled with the addition of alternative energy to our facility, and we couldn’t be happier with Freedom Solar Power’s work and service on this project from start through completion.”

Strictly Pediatrics’ four-story, 127,000-square-foot building is home to 15 tenants, including a variety of pediatric medical and surgical specialty groups.

In addition to the new solar installation at Strictly Pediatrics, Freedom Solar has completed a 47-kilowatt solar array at The Thinkery, the new Austin Children’s Museum, and numerous residential solar projects in Mueller.

For more information, visit http://www.freedomsolarpower.com/.