At zoo, solar panels soak up the sun

TAMPA - There are some new additions to the Lowry Park Zoo that are the first of their kind there, and they are taller than the tallest giraffe.

They stand 28 feet high, and in most areas, they're on the roof, soaking up energy from the sun.

They are not animals, they are solar panels, and they've gone wild at Lowry Park Zoo.

"The purpose of this project is to inform the public about solar technology, and it's more of an outreach project to encourage customers to look into putting solar on their homes and businesses," said Shelly Aubuchon with Tampa Electric.

The panels blend into their surroundings throughout the park. At the elephant pavilion, the solar panels provide rooftop shade, but also supply energy to the zoo. The panels produce 15 kilowatts of electricity; enough to power the Treetop Skyfari ride.

"We wanted to really show that energy can be brought close to the public, and it can be in an environment that is really sustainable and environmentally friendly," said Alex Domijan, a USF professor who helped create the project. "So when you look at the solar arrays here, they're done in such a way that you don't even notice them."

At least not yet. Zoo visitors will soon get to experience their own encounter with solar power when the park finishes phase two of the project.

"We'll have an interactive, hands-on display located near the skyride that people will actually be able to see the photovoltaics up close and personal," Aubuchon explains.

Some are already taking notice. Myndee Tollefson brought her daughter to the zoo for the first time, and was impressed by the solar array.

"I think it's awesome. Anything we can teach our kids about improving the environment, it being conservation, that's all great things and I think the more that it's out in the public, the better it is for us as parents to teach our kids that too," she said.

Part of the money for the solar panel project came from a grant, and Tampa Electric paid the rest.

Lowry Park Zoo is planning to open their hands-on solar exhibit on Earth Day, April 22.