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SUNY Sullivan’s New Solar Panels Power Energy and Learning

 

LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY (Jan. 5, 2010) – SUNY Sullivan’s commitment to sustainability took another step in the green direction with the installation of solar panels. The project is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) through the SUNYGreensNY Grant.

“The solar panel project is a great addition to the college’s greening initiative,” Michael Fisher, chair of the division of professional studies, said. “Primarily it will provide our students in both our Green Building Maintenance and Management and Environmental Science programs with a hands-on learning opportunity. Secondarily, the solar panels are a source of real electric energy.”

The 3kW (kilowatt) solar panels are connected to the NYSEG grid. The electric energy produced by the panels is purchased by NYSEG. The solar panel system design and installation were sourced locally. The college worked with Light House Solar (New Paltz).

According to Fisher, even though the solar panel system is small in comparison to ones used in the electric energy industry, the SUNY Sullivan solar panels do produce viable electric energy.

“Even on cloudy days,” Fisher said, “the solar panels are holding their own.”

The new solar panels are part of SUNY Sullivan’s sustainability complex which includes the Community Garden and the ongoing Straw Bale project. The college also has existing solar thermal panels that provide hot water.

Next up on the college’s path to ultimate sustainability will be the installation of small wind turbines. These working turbines will also be integrated into the college’s curriculum.

Founded in 1962, SUNY Sullivan is a two-year community college and a unit of the State University of New York. It offers 40 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as a variety of continuing education and specialty courses, on its 405-acre campus, online and through its distance learning program.