LINCOLNVILLE — By the end of July, the Lincolnville Community Library will be powered by the sun.

With the help of grant funding from Efficiency Maine, the library roof will soon be covered with thirty US-made solar panels that will produce all of the building's electric needs.

Once a one room schoolhouse, the library is now a model of 21st century efficiency and technology. Located at 208 Main Street near State Routes 52 and 173, the library sits in a highly visible location at the entrance to Lincolnville Center and will be an ideal site for educational programs highlighting energy efficiency and renewable energy technology for residents of Midcoast Maine.

The old schoolhouse, originally built in 1849, has undergone many energy improvements since its move to the current location: in addition to retrofitted storm windows, double wall construction, and cellulose insulation, the building has near-perfect southern orientation for passive solar gain and is heated by a 12,000 BTU air source heat pump.

"The Lincolnville Community Library is an excellent size and location to model energy conservation and renewable energy technologies that could be widely adopted by homeowners throughout the state," says librarian Sheila Polson. At 24 by 34 feet and with a monthly electricity bill similar to that of many Maine households, the library's energy efficiency measures, and upcoming solar energy project, could be replicated by an average homeowner. "Already many visitors to the library ask questions about the heat pump, passive solar heating, and general energy usage," says Polson.

The solar electric installation, was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, July 29, with an estimated duration of two to three days to complete. ReVision Energy general manager John Luft and marketing manager Jennifer Albee will be on-site to answer any media questions beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 30.

To learn more about solar energy systems or to talk with Albee about the solar installation, please contact jalbee@revisionenergy.com or (207) 589-4171; for more details regarding the Lincolnville Community Library, please contact librarian Sheila Polson at (207) 763-4343 or lincolnvillelibrary@tidewater.net.

About the Lincolnville Community Library

The Lincolnville Historical Society, with much help from the wider community, moved a 19th century one-room schoolhouse across the road from its original site. On its new site, the Center Schoolhouse has become the home of the new Lincolnville Community Library. The building acts as the centerpiece of a park to be developed on this land, and will include native plantings as well as an "open air" museum of horse-drawn agricultural implements and other artifacts. In addition to standard library services, the Lincolnville Community Library also hosts community events, speakers and educational gatherings.

About ReVision Energy

Founded in 2003, ReVision Energy has installed more than 3,000 solar energy systems across northern New England. With offices in Liberty, Portland, and Exeter, New Hampshire, ReVision Energy serves all of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts with the design, installation and service of residential and commercial solar installations.