In addition to the actual system, ECA and FWS staff at the refuge will be working collaboratively to create an interactive educational exhibit to promote solar energy production with emphasis on its environmental and long-term economic benefits over conventional energy production. The presence of an actual working and clearly visible system at the CEEC will help promote the concept of true cost and the importance of including renewable energy in sustainable building.

The CEEC opened in 2001 and has hosted hundreds of teachers, thousands of students, and tens of thousands of the general public. It has received kudos from sustainable design architects, engineers, and advocates and several awards including the "Federal Energy Saver Showcase Facility" in 2001 and federal "Model Facility Demonstration" at the White House in 2002. It has been certified as a Platinum "green building" and continues to be a key focal point for architectural classes in the region and highlighted in multiple media outlets throughout the country.

The CEEC was designed to conserve enrgy and water, maximize the use of recycled and reused products, and educate visitors about sustainable building design. It features a geothermal heating and cooling system, energy efficient lighting, and the use of a gray water recycling system, the "Marsh Machine".

The new installation will consist of a 5-kilowatt photovoltaic solar electric system using either crystalline or amorphous silicon collector technology. It will interconnect with the Center's traditional electric service and will reduce the monthly electric bill substantially. The operation and output of the system will be monitored and transmitted to an interactive display in the Exhibit Building of the CEEC.

The goals and objectives are to reduce the environmental impact of electricity generated by conventional means; reduce energy costs of operating a major environmental education center in the heart of an "urban" refuge; provide the "finishing touch" on an already sustainably built green building; and to effectively advocate adoption of small scale solar energy production for homes and businesses by demonstrating and actual working system.

The target date for completion of the system installation is spring or early summer of this year. A media event will be planned upon completion of the installation of the the new system and interactive visitor display.