One thing that ancient dinosaurs and the Front Range of Colorado had in common was abundant sunshine. And now, millions of years after the disappearance of these amazing reptiles, the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge have reconnected the two by installing a solar electric system on its Visitors Center.

As Joe Tempel, Executive Director of the Morrison, Colorado based not-for-profit Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, noted, “We wanted to set an example for the public that solar energy is ideal for this part of the country. As an educational destination that attracts over 70,000 dinosaur enthusiasts, students of all ages, and nature aficionados each year, our Board of Directors wanted to demonstrate that solar energy technology is practical and affordable.”

The solar electric photovoltaic system consists of thirty-two 175 watt SolarWorld modules, along with one 5100 Fronius inverter. The modules sit atop the Visitors Center at a 10-degree pitch, perfectly balancing winter and summer sun exposure. The PV system was incorporated into a new awning added to the Visitors Center during its remodeling by the architectural firm of Andrews and Anderson. The PV array covers nearly 500 square feet.

“In addition to the educational benefits of the PV system, we’re excited that the array will provide 25% of the building’s annual electric needs. On average, the system will generate 7,500 KwH’s of clean, nonpolluting energy per year. The system will eliminate over 15,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year, which is the equivalent to driving nearly 17,000 miles. Interpretative signage will be added this spring, detailing how the PV system works.