North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Installs Solar Panels

By Julie Powers

Atlantic Beach, NC - The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is on the beam when it comes to energy conservation. A new solar panel system near the Aquarium entrance silently harnesses the power of the sun.

The residential-scale solar panels meet a small percentage of the facility’s power needs with an environmentally friendly energy source. The panels, placed at the front of the building so visitors can see them at close range, are also an educational exhibit.

“The system is a visible and functional representation of the Aquarium’s commitment to conservation and education,” said Pat McNeese, the Aquarium’s Conservation and Research Coordinator.

The Aquarium is one of the first public facilities in Carteret County to use the “green” energy source, also known as a solar photovoltaic system, according to Lisa Galizia of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative (CCEC). The electric cooperative donated the panels to the Aquarium after the passage of the state’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard last year.

“The standard requires electric utilities to meet a percentage of their energy needs through renewable energy and energy efficiency resources,” Galizia said. “As we work to meet the state standard, we also want to educate our members about these renewable options.”

Links from the Aquarium’s website and the CCEC website show the amount of solar energy being collected each day. The monitor also provides cumulative totals, and a scorecard of reduced emissions.

CCEC provides power to its members in Carteret, Craven, Jones and Onslow counties, including the Aquarium.

The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is $8 for ages 18-61; $7 for ages 62 and up; $6 for ages 6-17; no charge for children 5 and under and North Carolina Aquarium Society members. The Aquarium is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NC 28512. See www.ncaquariums.com  or call 252-247-4003 for Family Night dates, program details or more information.

PHOTO: The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores takes its power sunny side up with the help of solar panels recently donated by the Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative.

To view North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores' web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-728-North_Carolina_Aquarium_at_Pine_Knoll_Shores