Solar In Your Community – Sweetwater Creek State Park

Sweetwater Creek State Park is a 2,500+ acre Georgia state park located in Douglas County. The park is named after Sweetwater Creek which runs through the park. The park offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature while hiking, fishing, or canoeing, and experience Georgia’s brilliant sun resource.

The Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor Center is powered by solar energy. A 10.5 kW photovoltaic (PV) solar array sits on multiple roofs and provides the Visitor Center with power equal to approximately 20% of the building’s needs. Overall, energy consumption is approximately 51% less than a comparable building thanks to a LEED Certified design. The Sweetwater Creek Visitor Center was the first in the southeastern United States to earn LEED Platinum Certification in the New Construction category, the U.S. Green Building Council’s highest distinction, and only the 20th building in the world to do so.

The building also uses approximately 77% less potable water than a comparable building thanks to a design that incorporates rain water harvesting techniques and a composting toilet system. Recognizing that the building site is within a conservation park, the educational mission of the facility responds to three important concepts: (1) The preservation and interpretation of the cultural history of the area, (2) the conservation and protection of the local natural ecosystem and (3) public education in environmental stewardship, utilizing the site and building design as a teaching tool.

Sweetwater Creek Visitor Center Sustainable Design Features:

• 10.5 kW solar array
• 10,000 gallon rainwater harvesting cistern
• 2,800 square-foot vegetative roof
• Composting toilet system
• High efficiency HVAC with heat recovery
• High performance building envelope

Solar Energy USA applauds all members involved with the energy efficient design and construction of the Sweetwater Creek State Park Visitor Center.

Those interested in energy conservation within the home should visit the Net Zero USA energy efficient home improvement website. Information on our comprehensive line of commercial energy reduction solutions can be found at the Net Zero USA commercial website.

Solar Energy USA is proud to be the largest residential solar provider in Georgia with offices across the nation. Now offering $0 Down, 0% Interest Financing for 60 months on all residential solar energy installations.