Ever wonder what makes the Red Barn “green?” It is part of a two-fold demonstration project funded by the State Energy conservation Office and the City of Pflugerville and is a demonstration in renewable energy! The barn is a “grid tie” system. Its solar panels and small wind generators produce electricity which is tied back into the power grid.

The Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity without creating any air or water pollution.  The wind turbines use the kinetic energy of the wind to produce electric power.  The power produced by the barn helps reduce the electric bill for the barn and is clean and renewable while it helps power the barn and trail lights in Heritage Park.

The picnic shelter on Old Hutto Road is a “stand alone” system and a local innovation. The panels and wind generator provide clean renewable power for the trail lights. It is hoped this system can be duplicated at other trail locations where traditional lighting is cost prohibitive.

The Green Red Barn is available for rental. Please call the Parks and Recreation Department Office located in the Recreation Center, 400 Immanuel Road to check availability. You may reserve it in person at the Recreation Center or by credit card on the phone at 512-251-5082 during business hours. Payment in full is required to make your reservation.

Rentals:
$125 for residents per day
$150 for non-residents per day

Pflugerville’s project was highlighted in the SECO (State Energy Conservation Office) newsletter as a renewable energy project. The publication titled Pflugerville’s project as Renewable Energy at Work – Pflugerville said, "This Renewable Energy at Work project includes a demonstration of renewable energy for the City of Pflugerville’s Park and Recreation setting. The installation provides electricity to a new barn and lights one-half mile of hike and bike trail. The trail has a solar/wind system, located on a picnic shelter sub-station. The ban employs a Photovoltaic (PV) system and wind generation system. Photovoltaic cell converts sunlight directly into electricity."


Vist the Texas State Energy Office for more information on renewable energy.