Solar PV now powers the birthplace of Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison’s birthplace and museum in Milan, Ohio, is now powered by solar energy, paying homage to Edison’s monumental contributions to the development and innovation in electricity.

The Edison home solar project was made possible by the donations of several solar manufacturers and installers, including SolarEdge, which provided the SolarEdge Home inverter and Power Optimizer solution; Meyer Burger, which provided the rooftop solar panels; as well as Unirac, which donated the solar racking system. National Renewable Energy Partners generously donated expertise and labor to ensure the seamless installation of all of the latest solar technology.

The benefits of this project extend beyond simply saving money on the museum’s monthly electric bills. Edison’s birthplace and museum will now offer visitors an opportunity to understand his groundbreaking electricity discoveries in a journey that includes solar. Edison’s solar energy installation will become a staple of the museum itself, and visitors will have the unique opportunity to learn more about Edison’s historic affinity for optimizing and exploring the most efficient energy sources.

Ron Cull, a board member of the Thomas Edison Birthplace Museum, inspired this project. He wanted to integrate solar power into this landmark as a means to strengthen and reiterate Edison’s visionary work on the evolution of electricity.

“By incorporating solar energy into the framework of the museum, we are not only embracing sustainability but also enriching the story of electricity, from its inception to its modern-day applications,” said Cull.

News item from SolarEdge