Updated: July 7, 2008 08:13 AM
Green Power Initiative Growing in Fort Wayne Solar Panels to Power IBEW Local Union 305
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE Channel 15 News) - After receiving entry level provider certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, eight electrical apprentices and seven local electrical contractors successfully installed 28 solar panels inside Fort Wayne's International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 305.
The panels will power the IBEW building and produce 5,236 kilowatt hours of electricity, enough energy to eventually sell back to the city's electrical grid.
The panels and certification were made possible through a $25,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Energy and Defense. Members of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC) anticipate growth in the Fort Wayne photovoltaic market from the recent installation of the solar panels.
"The panels represent both a symbolic and practical step into shifting the way our city thinks about energy production and usage," said Joe Langmeyer, business representative for the JATC. "There is no reason why these panels can't be on every roof in the city."
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 750,000 members who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.
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