Photovoltaic news and pv jobs

PV arrays to be installed at 73 Utah schools

Johnson Controls has announced it has been selected to design and install 73 photovoltaics (PV) arrays at schools throughout the state of Utah, in the U.S.

The first PV array has already been installed on Hillside Middle School. Image: Johnson Controls.

The company has said it will install the five kilowatt PV systems as a part of the state’s Solar for Schools program, which is funded by a USD$3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

Johnson has already completed one installation at Salt Lake City School District's Hillside Middle School.

The total installation of the 73 arrays is expected to remove more than 8,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over 20 years.

"Solar technology is one of the best sources of renewable energy in Utah and is at the forefront of the national energy mix. With Solar for Schools, the state will be able to produce clean energy while providing students with the opportunity to learn about these technologies," said Elise Brown, renewable energy coordinator, Utah State Energy Program. "The program is an investment in energy education, the community and in securing our energy independence."

Solar for Schools will reportedly provide the resources for Utah students to learn about renewable energy technologies through interactive projects. Students will have the ability to track live data from the solar installations, compare the data across schools throughout the state, and measure the effects of temperature and location of the energy output. The program also includes a comprehensive K-12 curriculum and teacher training on the benefits of using energy generated by the sun.

The National Energy Foundation (NEF) has said it will provide the renewable energy curriculum training for 200 teachers in Utah. Training workshops will include hands-on demonstrations appropriate for teaching all grade levels.