Inovateus Solar Completes Largest Rooftop Solar Array for Any Cultural Institution in the State of Illinois for Chicago’s Historic Shedd Aquarium
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Inovateus Solar LLC, a worldwide installer of commercial and industrial solar power systems, installed the solar systems at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium to launch the first phase of the institution’s clean-energy initiative. The solar firm was an integral part of an energy construction project headed by global energy management company Schneider Electric. The project consisted of the rooftop installation of 913 photovoltaic solar panels on top of the aquarium’s marine mammal pavilion.
In an event held on the roof of the Abbott Oceanarium in late 2013, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was on hand to help Shedd staff unveil the 265-kilowatt project, which is the largest solar installation on any cultural institution in the state of Illinois. The project was funded through a public and private partnership.
“Shedd’s green energy efforts demonstrate how Illinois is paving the way in advancing next-generation clean technology and sustainable energy,” Governor Quinn stated. “The solar panel project at the aquarium is the start of many progressive changes to our energy economy, serving as a model to integrate sustainability into operations for organizations around the country.”
Inovateus Solar was commissioned to provide their expertise in this historic undertaking in September of 2013. Inovateus Solar is a licensed general contractor in the City of Chicago. “We were excited when Schneider Electric brought us in as the solar general contractor for this project,” said Inovateus Solar President T.J. Kanczuzewski. “We used Schneider Electric components for the installation, such as combiner boxes and inverters, but Schneider doesn’t make solar panels, so we sourced those materials out and handled engineering, project management and integration.”
Kanczuzewski stated that J. Ranck was the electrical contractor for the project. Schletter provided the racking systems used for the solar panels in conjunction with their Anchor Product line.
“Schneider chose Inovateus Solar for their proven track record of quality and responsiveness,” said Schneider Electric Executive Vice President Dean Meyer. “A project like Shedd had to be installed quickly due to schedule requirements and with attention to detail due to permitting and final appearance on a historic Chicago landmark. We really enjoy working with their team and look forward to working on many more projects together.”
The new solar energy system will help power life-support equipment to the aquarium’s Great Lakes gallery, which showcases the region’s diverse native animals including iconic lake sturgeon in a new touch pool exhibit. In addition to reducing costs and enhancing the building’s energy reserve and various life support systems, the system supports Shedd’s Great Lakes initiative to protect and preserve the lakes by reducing its reliance on traditional energy sources.
“Renewable energy is obviously tied very closely to environmental awareness,” said Kanczuzewski. “That’s why it’s fitting that this renewable energy project is directly connected to the Great Lakes exhibit and can help raise awareness of how important it is to preserve this fantastic natural resource.”
“Protecting and preserving the living world is at the heart of Shedd Aquarium and we understand that conservation and sustainability begin at home in the aquarium,” said Shedd President and CEO, Ted A. Beattie. Shedd worked with public and private energy leaders to advance the building’s larger energy management system, bringing Shedd closer to achieving its long-term goal of saving close to 10 million kilowatt hours annually – enough to power a small town of 750 households.
“The people at Shedd Aquarium really care about the environment and clean energy,” said Kanczuzewski. “They have a passion for what they do, and at the same time they’re trying to be as energy efficient as possible. Their goal is to be the greenest aquarium out there, and they are well on their way with the completion of this project,” he concluded.
About Inovateus Solar
Inovateus Solar is a worldwide turnkey installer of commercial and industrial solar systems. Inovateus Solar LLC, has been involved with the installation of many high profile rooftop, carport, and ground mount photovoltaic systems in the United States and abroad. As a distributor and integrator for many of the world’s largest photovoltaic manufacturers, Inovateus Solar LLC, offers the most competitive pricing for turnkey installations while providing a wealth of experience in system design, specification, procurement and project management. Inovateus Solar continues to expand its scope of operations, with new projects going live from Massachusetts to California.
About Shedd Aquarium
John G. Shedd Aquarium, the World’s Aquarium and global leader in aquatic science and
conservation, is one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums. The facility houses more than 32,500 aquatic animals, representing some 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and aquatic mammals from waters around the world. Since its opening in 1930, the aquarium’s mission has been to enhance public understanding of aquatic life and connect guests to the living world, inspiring them to protect and preserve the planet. Shedd Aquarium is a proud member of the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition.
To Learn More Contact Inovateus Solar Toll Free at: 877-876-SOLAR (76527)
Phone: 574-485-1400 Fax: 574-485-1419 Email: info@inovateus.com
