Atascadero,
CA, USA -- The Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero adds solar
energy system as part of their ongoing conservation mission. They
join other zoo's including; Cincinnati Zoo, Toledo Zoo, Knoxville
Zoo, Saint Louis Zoo, Oakland Zoo, and San Diego Zoo, who have made a
similar move to renewable energy.
The
solar energy system was donated and installed last summer by local
solar installer, Solarponics. The starter solar energy system
produces about 5% of the zoo's total energy demand and will save the
zoo more than $75,000 over the life of the system. The ultimate goal
is to install a solar array large enough to supply 100% of the zoo's
energy needs, saving hundred's of thousands of dollars, savings that
will go directly to the conservation and care of the zoo's residents.
"We are excited about the future of our Zoo, adding solar, and upgrading our facilities to better manage the animal collection and enhance the experience for our zoo visitors," said Alan Baker, zoo executive director. "We are dedicated to the conservation of local and exotic species in everything we do, including our entire energy and environmental footprint."
Globally,
the burning of fossil fuels releases carbon and other pollutants into
the air, which directly contribute to climate change. It is these
changes to our climate that are destroying critical wildlife habitat,
causing habitat ranges to shift, increasing incidence of pests and
invasive species, and decreasing availability of food and water. A
failure to take decisive action now to reduce carbon pollution will
affect one-third of all wildlife species facing increased risk of
extinction within the next century.
The
good news is the zoo is taking action to advance clean energy
solutions that will protect wildlife and reduce their environmental
impact.
"It was a great fit for us to be able to donate the starter system to the zoo. The donation supports our local community, builds solar awareness, and fits with the zoo's conservation goals", said Kristian Emrich, Solarponics Vice President.
Visitors
are invited to Party For The Planet on Saturday, April 13 to check
out the new solar energy system on the roof of the zoo's gift shop,
and learn about conservation programs happening at the zoo and
throughout the central coast. Doors open at 10:00 AM.
About
The Charles Paddock Zoo
The
Charles Paddock Zoo was established in 1955 by Charles Paddock, a
county parks ranger, who nursed animals back to health. Today the zoo
is home to hundreds of local and exotic species from around the
world. Many of the zoo residents are part of globally managed
programs to preserve animals and their habitats. The zoo is located
on five wooded acres, and is family friendly with the opportunity for
children and adults to experience animals up close. The Charles
Paddock Zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium
Association, placing them in an elite group of only 220 accredited
institutions in North America. For hours, admission prices, events,
visit http://www.charlespaddockzoo.org.
About
Solarponics
Solarponics
was founded in 1975 by Cal Poly engineering graduate, Mike Emrich,
and is the oldest continuously operating solar energy company in
California. Today, Solarponics installs solar electric, battery
backup, EV charging systems, radiant heating & cooling, solar
pool heating, water conservation and LED Commercial lighting for
residential and commercial projects on the central coast. Their
vision for the central coast is for every building to have a net-zero
energy and resource consumption footprint. Visit
http://www.solarponics.com
or call (805) 466-5595 for more information.
Media
Contact:
Frank
Scotti
Solarponics,
Inc.
805-466-5595
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