JinkoSolar Holding Co. has donated 16.9 kW of PV modules for the construction of the Miami Science Barge, a floating marine lab and environmental education center in Miami, Florida.
The Miami Science Barge, a 3,600 square foot barge docked in the Museum Park in Biscayne Bay, was designed to focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and sustainability initiatives. It features three interconnecting zones which will educate visitors on a number of topics including living ecosystems, marine experiments, and renewable energy. JinkoSolar’s high-efficiency modules will be powering the Barge, allowing it to function completely off the grid. Aboard the Barge there will be around 75 kWh of storage, enough for a total of 3 days’ worth of stored energy. There will be a cost savings of over $1,000 per year, which will be used towards ensuring that the Barge’s programs can be provided free to those with limited financial means.
Sonnedix USA Services Limited, a member of the Sonnedix Group of Companies (collectively, “Sonnedix”), donated the solar inverters, provided engineering support, and coordinated the donation of energy storage equipment from Pittsburgh, PA based Aquion Energy.
Andreas Mustad, Director and CEO of the Sonnedix Group of companies, said: “Spurring an interest in Miami’s youth regarding how easily a self-sustaining platform can be implemented on even a limited footprint such as the science barge leaving ample room for the activities aboard is something we are extremely proud to be a part of and one of several corporate social responsibility initiatives we are committed to supporting globally.”
“The Miami Science Barge embodies sustainability and solar panels are a critical part of our identity. We are one of the few places in South Florida where the public are able to see solar energy at work and learn about how the Sunshine State should be a leader in harvesting this amazing renewable resource.” said Nathalie Manzano, Director of the Miami Science Barge, “The Miami Science Barge team is thankful to JinkoSolar, Sonnedix, and Aquion Energy for donating the solar energy system which we depend on to provide reliable, constant energy to keep our plants and animals alive.”
“JinkoSolar is proud to be involved in this unique project where innovation meets education,” said Nigel Cockroft, General Manager of JinkoSolar (U.S.) Inc., “ensuring a more sustainable future begins with education; the Science Barge embodies this statement. We commend Nathalie Manzano-Smith and her team for championing a project that teaches individuals the importance of going green, while simultaneously promoting the sustainable growth of the city of Miami.”
News item from JinkoSolar