Solar Projects
When analyzing the potential for integrating renewable energy systems into the current UAF power system, wind and hydro capacity are negligible on campus. In Alaska, solar-thermal-heating is the most efficient way to capture solar radiance, due to the low solar density of our northern latitude. However, because of the power plant’s ability to produce hot water from waste-heat, this technology would be redundant. Thus, solar photovoltaic (PV) is appropriate for UAF.
The first student solar project on campus will be conducted in the Student Recreation Center. The proposed system would replace 4.5 percent of the 2009 yearly load. There is no need for batteries; all of the power the solar panels produce will be utilized at all times, and if for some reason it is not used by the SRC, the electricity will be used in the university grid system. The Student Recreation Center has a higher summer load than winter load. This is due to the need to circulate more air through the building in the summer months. For the latest updated information on the Solar project progress, contact Jessie Huff, jlhuff2@alaska.edu.
Solar Panels for Student Recreation Center (PDFs)
Project Links