The solar project is part of a larger initiative being undertaken by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, in conjunction with energy efficiency consultant Big Green Zero.
Called Energizing Taliesin West™, the pioneering initiative is integrating sustainable energy at the desert masterpiece originally designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the foothills of the McDowell Mountains in 1937.
During the later years of Wright's life, the home also served as his winter studio and as an architectural campus.
"I couldn't be more excited about this partnership with Big Green Zero and First Solar," said Sean Malone, CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. "This is an extraordinary opportunity; the goal of making a world-famous National Historic Landmark site entirely self-sustaining is unprecedented. And we're going to make it happen. The endeavor will have a broad and deep impact for sustainability efforts throughout America and across the globe. And, importantly, the initiative is entirely consistent with the values of Taliesin West: innovation, an evolving site, embracing new technology, celebrating nature and strategic use of resources."
Energizing Taliesin West™ is an effort to transform the entire National Historic Landmark Taliesin West site into a "net zero" energy customer, producing as much energy as it consumes annually, while maintaining the historic and architectural integrity of the site.
The comprehensive endeavor will focus on the twin goals of maximizing Taliesin West's energy efficiency (through improved lighting, insulation, climate controls and other techniques) while also generating clean renewable energy on-site.
Arizona-based First Solar, with help from several key suppliers, is donating the complete custom-designed ground-mounted solar PV system, which consists of about 4,000 solar panels.
The panels will not be visible from anywhere in the historic core of Taliesin West, nor will tour guests be able to see the panels from any location during their entire tour experience — maintaining the historic integrity of Frank Lloyd Wright's desert home and studio, the Foundation said.
However, intentionally, guests will be able to see the impressive solar array from the road before they arrive at Taliesin West to take their tour — celebrating the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's commitment to sustainable energy.
Every year, more than 100,000 tourists come to Scottsdale to experience Taliesin West, which also houses the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture.
"Frank Lloyd Wright is synonymous with innovation in architecture and design, and we share the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation's passion to forward his legacy — by integrating sustainable energy into his work," said Larry Whittet, First Solar project manager for the Taliesin West solar project. "Taliesin West is a global architectural landmark that has captivated the imagination of visitors for 75 years, and we are proud to be part of this historic undertaking,"
The Energizing Taliesin West program was initiated after a recent energy assessment by Big Green Zero. The assessment indicated that Taliesin West's energy bills could be reduced by as much as 51 percent through simple conservation methods. In addition, the property has potential to achieve a "Big Green Zero" by producing as much renewable energy as it uses each year.
"The Foundation is proud to announce First Solar as a partner in achieving our sustainability goals," said Robert Roth, Ph.D., CEO of Big Green Zero. "As a local company focused on harnessing Arizona's most abundant natural energy source — the sun — First Solar will provide Taliesin West with state-of-the-art solar panels in order to reach the property's goal of producing as much energy as it consumes." "This year marks the 75th anniversary of Taliesin West," adds Malone, "a perfect time to focus on the future. Energizing Taliesin West does just that — it celebrates the future of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and our future as a society."
For additional information:
