Renewable Energy in Derby
Renewable energy is a major topic of discussion today, and though most may not realize it, Derby can be considered a pacesetter thanks to two dramatic projects found within a couple of hundreds yards of each other along the banks of the Housatonic River on Roosevelt drive less than a mile from the center of town. One dates back 140 years while the other is completing its first year of operations. The Ousatonic Dam has been a source of water generated power since 1870 while IDA International Inc. has put the power of the sun to work to power its facility for just about a year now.
This time, it's the story of I.D.A. and Tom Harbinson (pictured on the left). I.D.A. is a firm that specializes in architectural metals used in building construction. They have done some very high end work in panels that grace some magnificent structures in the east - and even in Mexico. Like all manufacturers in Connecticut, they have to deal with the high cost of electricity. In I.D.A.'s case, they are now generating all of their own energy (and even returning some surplus to the electrical grid). As you can see from the pictures, they have installed solar panels on top of their building which generate enough electricity to meet all of their needs. They worked with Connecticut Innovations to make their project a reality, and to show others that solar is a viable option for Connecticut manufacturing and other businesses.
We congratulate Tom and everyone at I.D.A. for having the vision and perseverance to follow in the footsteps of earlier Derby pioneers in using technology to build business and create jobs in Derby! You can learn more about the project and see more photos on IDA's blog by clicking here.
Story posted on July 6, 2010 |
