Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Installs Solar System

May 24th, 2012 by Jake Richardson

A 250-kilowatt solar photovoltaic power installation has been inaugurated at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona. This site is the international headquarters of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The solar array’s installation is the first phase of an overall plan to make Taliesin West a net-zero facility, meaning it will produce as much as energy as it consumes every year.

“As we continue to move forward with this endeavor we remain consistent with the values of Taliesin West and advancing the Foundation’s mission to preserve and expand the heritage of Frank Lloyd Wright. We will continue to educate and empower new generations of innovative thinkers to address the critical issues of sustainability and healthy living environments,” explained Sean Malone, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.

About 4,000 thin-film solar panels with design and installation services were donated by First Solar, a renewable energy company based in Tempe. Additionally, Phoenix-based Aurora One donated a 250-kw inverter and supporting services. It is expected the solar system will save 300 tons of CO2 each year from entering the atmosphere.

In keeping with the intention of the facility to be sensitively integrated into the natural landscape, native plants which were moved for the solar installation will be replanted nearby. Also, native plants will be seeded in areas where ground was made bare by the construction process.

An energy audit performed by the company Big Green Zero found Taliesin West could save nearly $100,000 annually, if there were efficiency improvements implemented, and renewable energy technology installed.

Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter home and school for his architecture students. Today, it remains the main campus of the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. There are also many classes available for youth and people who want to learn without pursuing a degree program.

Image Credits: Huiee Wong and The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation