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Historic Pigeon Key Taps Solar Power

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MARATHON | A tiny island that was an early 1900s base camp for workers who built the historic Florida Keys OverSea Railroad has gone green.

Keys officials on Friday marked the conversion of the island's electrical system to solar power, making the educational facility and visitor attraction energy-efficient.

A 105-by-16-foot solar array collects sunlight to be converted into electricity on Pigeon Key near Marathon. Officials inaugurated the new system Friday on the tiny 5.3-acre island. The $225,000 investment should be paid back within five years for the island, which now serves as an educational facility and visitor attraction. ANDY NEWMAN | ASSOCIATED PRESS PHOTOS

 

 

A 105-by-16-foot solar array was installed to satisfy 90 to 95 percent of the electrical needs for the 5.3-acre islet beneath the old Seven Mile Bridge near Marathon.

Soaring fuel prices had taxed the Pigeon Key Foundation's annual budget.

The $225,000 solar system generates 24 kilowatts, and the financial payback is expected within five years. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council funded half the money.

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