Solar Power

Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education

Solar panels allow us to power our Education Center and animal talking boxes. Through the PG&E Solar Schools Program, a special educational solar panel teaches guests about alternative energy through a connected kiosk in Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education. In a partnership with PG&E and Solar City, the Oakland Zoo has covered the roof of Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education with a 28.44 kilowatt solar electric system, powered by four SMA Sunny Boy inverters and 158 Evergreen photovoltaic modules.

The system generates 47 megawatt hours of energy per year; enough to power five houses! Through the PG&E Solar Schools Program, a special educational solar panel teaches guests about alternative energy through a connected kiosk in Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education.

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Animal Talking Boxes

Most of the animal talking boxes are also powered by solar panels. Next time you visit the zoo, look around while you listen to the animal talking box and see if you can find the solar panels!

Resources

The NEED Project and PG&E