WSC Installs First Solar Energy Systems on Campus

On May 4, Solar Gain Services of Center, Colo., began installing several solar systems in Kelley Hall, which houses the Environmental Studies and Behavioral and Social Sciences programs. Two separate solar electric systems will utilize different photovoltaic (PV) technologies to offset a portion of Kelley Halls’ electricity usage. A separate solar thermal system will provide heat for domestic water for hand-washing in the restrooms and some space heating for the building. However, the systems’ primary purpose is to serve as a “solar laboratory” for student research and shed light on the benefits of solar energy.

“Solar energy really works; the battle is to convince people that it’s cost-effective, because the up-front investment is large, and customers essentially pay for all their future energy production in one bill,” remarked Luke Christy, co-owner of Solar Gain Services. “This project at Kelley Hall is about consciousness-raising through education. Americans are accustomed to using virtually unlimited amounts of cheap energy, but this project will help students better understand both their energy usage and the potential of renewable energy.”

It is hoped that the “solar laboratory” in Kelley Hall will do just that. In addition to three types of solar systems representing three different solar technologies, the project includes a monitoring kiosk that will provide data for student research and demonstrations on system performance. The touch-screen kiosk, located in the Kelley Hall lobby, will serve as a “virtual toolbox” monitoring the amount of energy generated from the solar modules, as well as collect data on weather and environmental conditions that may affect the systems’ efficiencies. Web-enabled monitoring also will be available as a feed into WSC website. In addition, students will be supplied with portable meters to measure energy consumption of individual appliances, thus being able to monitor and calculate their own energy use, as well as that of other students and buildings. Students can use these tools to design ways to reduce energy usage in Kelley Hall, around campus and in their own homes.

“Students learn from the buildings they study in. In Kelley Hall, the solar energy systems enhance the materials that we are teaching," said John Hausdoerffer, director of Environmental Studies.

The Kelley Hall “solar laboratory” is the product of student vision and initiative. Two environmental studies students, Loren Ahonen and Mandi Leigh, wrote a grant requesting $15,000 from the WSC Sustainability Fund to install solar panels on Kelley Hall. The grant was accepted and the project received a boost from the college and through the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) Solar Rebate Program, bringing the total funding for the project to $96,000.

“This project provides an out-of-classroom setting for scientific exploration for students of all majors at Western. It's simply a great, close-to-home resource that will help all WSC students learn about the technology that is shaping the future,” Ahonen said.

Originally built in 1957, Kelley Hall reopened its doors in fall 2008 after undergoing a $5.5 million renovation and is pending Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification by the US Green Building Council. The building’s renovation followed environmentally sustainable construction standards set by the organization, such as the use of recyclable and reusable materials, and renewable energy resources.

“The LEED certifications of our new construction and this solar energy project are just the beginning of what we hope to be multiple renewable energy and sustainability projects, said Drew Jenkins, WSC associate vice president of finance and administration. “Western is committed to being the educational leader of sustainability issues on the Western Slope of Colorado and these solar projects are just the start of our wider commitment to the community, the region and to higher education.”

The solar energy systems will be in operation by June 15.

Story by: Tracey Koehler, director of public relations