From the front, St. Mary’s Art and Retreat Center is the epitome of Virginia City’s Old West heritage. But take a peak around back and you’ll find an energy source that’s anything but old-fashioned.
Reno nonprofit Black Rock Solar just completed construction of a 110-panel ground-mount photovoltaic array at the National Historic Landmark, built in 1875. The 30-kW array will generate enough energy to cover almost all the electricity costs of the former Comstock hospital.
“St. Mary's Art Center is extremely fortunate to have the assistance of Black Rock Solar and NV Energy in funding and building this project,” said Frances Melhop, Executive Director at the center. “Saving over $4,300 a year will make an enormous and incredible difference to us, boosting our ability to support art and culture, children's art programs and our engagement in the local community.”
Funded through grants and building rentals, St. Mary’s Art Center considers itself “a place where creativity can be explored in an atmosphere of quiet beauty.” Fittingly, solar arrays are silent.
"It's great to see an historic landmark like St. Mary's Art and Retreat Center highlight how seamlessly we can blend Nevada's Old West heritage with its growing alternative energy industry,” said Paddy McCully, Executive Director of Black Rock Solar. “We look forward to finding more solar projects in the Virginia City area."
This is Black Rock Solar’s second solar array in Virginia City. In March 2012, BRS competed a 46-kW rooftop array for Hugh Gallagher Elementary School.
Scheduled for completion in May, this array is funded through an NV Energy rebate.
“We’re pleased to support the solar project at St. Mary’s Art and Retreat Center through the SolarGenerations program created by the Nevada Legislature and funded by our customers,” said John Hargrove, Manager of the NV Energy’s Renewable Energy Programs. “NV Energy’s roots go back to Virginia City’s heyday when one of our predecessor companies built a hydroelectric plant along the Truckee River to serve the mines. Now Virginia City is entering a new energy era and we’re excited to be part of it.”