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NEWS RELEASE

July 3, 2008

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Library’s East Columbia Branch Site of Solar Demonstration Project

Ulman “Rises Above the Crowd” to Unveil New Energy Saving Initiative

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Ken Ulman today held a news conference on the rooftop of the Howard County Library’s East Columbia Branch to unveil the new 24 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels recently installed as part of his effort to incorporate solar power into county government operations.

In addition, an interactive computer station inside the library will provide real-time data on how much power the photovoltaic cells produce. The computer also explains how the system works and help users learn more about the benefits of solar power.

“This is an ideal site for our first solar demonstration project,” said Executive Ulman. “Libraries are traditionally the place where people go to get access to information. This project will provide library visitors with information about the impressive results that are possible through the use of sustainable alternative energy sources like solar. It is all part of our initiative to ‘Live Green Howard County.’”

Each solar panel measures 5 feet by 3 feet making the total roof coverage about 500 square feet. The power generated from the panels, which were installed by Chesapeake Solar, at a net cost to the county of $45,000, will be fed into the library’s electrical distribution system. The system, on average, is expected to generate approximately 500 kWh a month – more in the summer and less in the winter. In the first month of operation, the solar array has already generated over 700 kWh (kilowatt hours) of electricity which would be enough to power 28 average-sized Howard County homes for one day. The average American home uses 920 kWh each month.

“LIVE GREEN HOWARD COUNTY”