LAKE ARIEL, PA — Recently, dedicated volunteers from the non-profit SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) completed the installation of 28 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roof of the Lacawac Sanctuary Visitors Center. The Salem Township electrical inspector gave his OK on August 9, and the system is now ready to power up as soon as PPL Electric Utilities approves the final paperwork. The 8.4-kilowatt capacity system is 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 $1,100.

In June, SEEDS conducted its sixth annual Do-It-Yourself Solar PV workshop, this year including hands-on experience with this installation for the 30 participants. 

Manufacturing costs of solar panels have dropped by over 70% in the past few years, and installing them yourself makes generating your own power even more affordable. There are still federal tax incentives available for both homeowners and businesses.

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