The new 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living in Woodinville is seeking support
for an innovative building integrated (BIPV) solar array.
The BIPV array will provide a highly visible demonstration of cutting-edge renewable energy
technology and assist 21 Acres in creating Washington State’s first Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum-certified educational facility. Platinum buildings must be
awarded at least 52 out of 69 possible points on the LEED Green Building Rating System, the
nationally accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high performance green
buildings. Our ambitious capital project will serve the greater Puget Sound area by supporting
sustainable local agriculture, housing a community kitchen, and promoting sustainable building,
farming and land use practices.
System Description
The BIPV array, to be integrated as
skylights over a significant portion of
the farmer’s market area, classrooms
and kitchen, is planned to consist of
1.2-4.7 kW, or 10-40 SCHOTT
Solar’s ASI THRU Glass solar
modules rated at 117 Watts each.
The array will be battery-less and
net-metered using a SMA SunnyBoy
inverter. The BIPV is expected to
produce 1,000-1,200 kWh annually
per installed kW, operating with a
12-13.4% capacity factor.
21 Acres has opted to use the ASI
THRU Glass for the Agricultural
Center’s skylight based on its dual functionality. Along with the traditional role of skylights to
supply daylighting, and thereby reduce electricity use for lights, the modules will also generate
power for building use. The semi-transparent modules will allow 10 percent light transmission into
the building, thus allowing for a larger skylit area over the market, classrooms and kitchen, without
the typical overheating associated with skylights. The double-glazed modules will also reduce heat
loss in the winter compared to traditional windows, and the UL-certified modules’ design allows for
installation at any orientation and fit within conventional framing systems.