KC Recycling Center Turns To Solar Power

The recycling center at East 91st Street and Hillcrest Road has switched to solar energy for its power.

"We've never had any electricity here at the center," said Richard Gordon of Bridging the Gap.

"We're installing an off-grid, hybrid renewable energy system," said Bob Solger of the Energy Savings store.

Solger installed solar panels and a turbine to power the recycling center on Tuesday.

KMBC's Kris Ketz reported that the system works by collecting enough outside to run everything inside, such as the lights, a ceiling fan, a computer, phone and more.

The panel collects 900 watts of energy from the sun with another 400 watts coming from the wind.

Ketz reported that batteries that fit inside a case that can keep the center going for three days without a charge.

"Do you have any idea how much you're saving in terms of electricty?" Ketz asked Gordon.

"I really don't. It really hasn't been the main focus for us," Gordon said.

But Gordon said setting an example is the goal.

The energy system cost $12,000 to install at the recycling center. The systems can be used at a home or business. The cost will vary, but the people at the Energy Savings store said $12,000 to $15,000 is a typical price tag for systems they install.

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• Kansas
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• recycling
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• solar
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