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Archived News Article

Solar panels up and running at MSOE

Published: 12/02/2008 Bookmark and Share
Solar panels up and running at MSOE      Milwaukee School of Engineering's (MSOE) newest sustainability project-144 solar panels on the roof of the student union building-are now up and running. It is the largest solar power project currently underway in downtown Milwaukee, and one of the biggest in the state. "MSOE is leading the way in terms of sustainability and engineering," said Dr. Christopher Damm, associate professor of mechanical engineering. "We are attracting students who are interested in emerging energy technologies and sustainable engineering."
     Students researched the best spot on campus to place the panels, making sure they obtained the maximum amount of sunlight without being blocked by shadows from  neighboring buildings. The panels serve as an educational tool for students researching renewable energy and, says Damm, "the system is used in the curricula of several courses, for senior design projects and for Master's degree projects."
     The project, which cost $235,000, was paid for through internal funding, a $100,000 grant from We Energies and a $35,000 grant from the state energy efficiency and renewable program, Focus on Energy. The power generated by the panels is sold to We Energies and becomes part of their Energy for Tomorrow program, which allows customers who are willing to pay slightly more to buy energy obtained from renewable sources. Damm estimates it will take roughly 13 years to recoup the cost of the solar panels. Solar energy is an ideal way to generate electricity because its peak production matches that of the local population needs, thereby greatly reducing dependence on less efficient power plants. Over the course of one year, MSOE's solar panels will save approximately 35,000lbs of coal and 25,000lbs of carbon dioxide. For more information, visit http://www.msoe.edu/solar.