Image via The Buffalo News
Tesla has donated a solar roof to the Buffalo Heritage Carousel, reports The Buffalo News.
The solar tiles are being made at Tesla’s factory in RiverBend in South Buffalo, New York.
“With the support of Tesla, this rare and historic carousel will be powered by the sun and offer a new family recreational and educational attraction located along the boardwalk,” said Laurie Hauer-LaDuca, president of Buffalo Heritage Carousel, to Buffalo News.
The solar tiles are stamped, “Assembled in Buffalo, NY, USA.”
Image via The Buffalo News
The estimated value of the donated solar roof is about $150,000 USD, said Corky Burger, Buffalo Heritage Carousel’s capital campaign director. The organization had received estimates for a solar roof at that number, before Tesla stepped in with its donation. Tesla is usually very quiet when it comes to corporate donations.
“We are so proud to be a local showcase for the solar roof tiles that are ‘made in Buffalo, New York,’ “ added Hauer-LaDuca.
Assemblyman Sean Ryan said he spoke with Tesla to get involved with the project.
“This winter, I discussed the Buffalo Heritage Carousel project with the people at Tesla and told them it would be a great demonstration of a product made in Buffalo,” said Ryan. “I’m so glad people will get to see the fruits of their taxpayer investments – a beautiful carousel powered by a solar roof made three miles down the road.”
The Buffalo Heritage Carousel is an octagonal roundhouse designed by eco logic STUDIO and will see a vintage carousel made in 1924 by Spillman Engineering Co. from North Tonawanda.
The new Carousel is set to open on Memorial Day weekend at the end of May 2021.
