Timmons Design Engineers were commissioned by the City of Palo Alto to design grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) systems to be installed on three City owned properties. The objective was to integrate the systems aesthetically into the existing properties while maximizing power production and educating the public about PV technology. An educational component will be integrated into each of the sites for the public. In addition there will be continuous web-based monitoring which displays the systems output and performance.

The Baylands Interpretive Center is a rustic nature center constructed entirely of wood. To keep the arrays nearly invisible we designed them at a 5° slope and added wood panel shields matching the building exterior beside the arrays. The modules chosen encompassed nearly square and triangular shapes with a black trim and polycrystalline cells. The ability to combine with the triangular modules was pursued to demonstrate to visitors an attractive option for solar that could fit along the angled contours of their roofs at home. A simple periscope was devised of a matching wood pattern and colored shell to make the arrays visible for those with interest.

The arrays are designed to produce about 18kW of clean AC power to the grid, an estimated 34,000kWh per year, enough to power 4 average homes. The power production is expected to exceed 100% of the Centers annual load.
Architect: Arkin-Tilt