JERSEY CITY -- In August, work will begin on a project to make Liberty Science Center more energy independent.

By year's end guests will be able to park under sheds, protected from summer heat and winter snow, while overhead Sharp solar panels generate over

800,000 kW of electricity per year.

The new solar array will cover 300 parking places and includes handicapped spots and 12 electric car re-charging stations. When added to its current solar capacity of 227kW, the panels will supply the Center with about 25 percent of its electricity. The project includes the addition of energy-efficient LED lighting, digital security coverage, and a state-of-the-art energy monitoring system to insure peak performance. The project is being managed by Ray Angelini, Inc. of Sewell, NJ.

To celebrate the new system, May 25 marks the opening of the all-new exhibition 'Got Power?'showing guests how solar panels work, giving comparisons of new and old-school lighting, and even letting them join others to make enough energy to set off an LED fireworks Display.