In 2011, Madison County, New York became one of only a few locations in the world to bring online an innovative, solar energy-generating exposed geomembrane cap on a landfill cell. The site utilizes a Spectro PowerCap™ from Carlisle Energy Services, Inc. (CES) with a 20-30 year long-term interim cover design.
A new video on YouTube (see above) showcases Madison County’s investment in (and savings from) greener engineering strategies, such as installing a “solar landfill.” Landfills are, by their nature, dead space; but the installation of methane harvesting systems and exposed geomembrane caps with solar cells adhered to the surface around helping their dead zones become active sources of clean power during the long period during which they cannot be redeveloped but must be monitored. Landfill owners gain another revenue stream and local facilities can benefit from the power being plugged into the grid.
Madison County’s video features many shots of the solar power-generating landfill and interviews with key people, such as Director of Solid Waste James Zecca, who offer not just perspective on current investment but explain future benefits and how the technologies available now contrast with the limited choices previously available.
