Solar Energy Commons | Elliott P. Montgomery
Elsewhere has solar panels. Installed in February by Greensboro-based Soleil Energy Solutions the 4.8 kW solar array on the museum’s roof offsets 30% of our electricity use. As part of a larger sustainability effort, Elsewhere invited artist Elliott P. Montgomery to connect the rooftop solar array with the street. Elliott has been installing a Town Solar Station on the museum's facade. "Distributed solar electricity in the US is often associated with the notions of ownership and the individual, but in third world villages, shared charging stations are becoming more common. How does a shared charging station work in a community like the one around Elsewhere? "The project is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) as part of a formula grant received by the City of Greensboro, North Carolina.
Elliott P. Montgomery uses designed artifacts and experiences to raise questions about impact responsibility. He studied at the Royal College of Art in London (Design Interactions - 2011) and at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. (Industrial Design - 2003). He has worked with start-ups, non-profits, design consultancies and government agencies.