Customer Profile: The Mt. Cuba Center Botanical Gardens, located in Hockessin, Delaware, is committed to connecting people with nature. Their mission includes fostering an appreciation for the natural world, inspiring conservation efforts, enhancing the health of habitats and ecosystems, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their operations
Customer Challenge: Seeking to deepen their commitment to sustainability and conservation, Mt. Cuba Center explored the possibility of integrating renewable energy into their operations. They reached out to Stark Tech to explore the feasibility of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system within the botanical garden’s grounds.
Stark Tech Solution: Stark Tech played a crucial role in the project, starting with active participation in design coordination meetings alongside various project trades. This collaborative effort ensured that the solar PV installation was seamlessly integrated into the broader renovation project. Additionally, Stark Tech managed the material submittal review for all major electrical equipment related to the solar installation.
To aid decision-making, Stark Tech provided high-resolution renderings of the proposed solar installations, allowing the Mt. Cuba Center’s board of directors to visualize the project and assess its alignment with their sustainability goals.
Project Result: Stark Tech successfully served as the Engineer of Record for the 160-kW PV project at the Mt. Cuba Center. The installation included two key components:
- Headhouse Array: A roof-mounted solar array on the campus headhouse, featuring a semi-transparent, all-glass solar awning at the building’s entryway, blending aesthetics with functionality.
- Solar Parking Canopy: A twenty-space solar parking canopy, which also features several electric vehicle charging stations, further enhancing the center’s commitment to sustainable practices.
This project not only aligns with Mt. Cuba Center’s mission to promote conservation and sustainability but also serves as a visible demonstration of their dedication to integrating renewable energy into their operations.
About Stark Tech: Stark Tech is a total optimization provider of clean energy equipment solutions supporting project developers, owners / operators, and Engineering, Procurement and Construction firms (EPCs). Our team provides engineering expertise, manufactures equipment, and offers turnkey implementation of renewable projects across North America. We offer end-to-end support from design and engineering to fabricating skidded equipment solutions for renewable projects across North America.
