| Solar Technology Successes
in Other Institutions |
Hospitals, universities, research centers. Each institution
has particular justifications for solar thermal and
photovoltaic systems, including reasons both economical
and ethical.
Universities and research centers, the beacons of learning and inquiry,
are called to lead communities towards a greater awareness of the
long term impact of our energy choices. When a University displays
a photovoltaic system on its rooftop, it sends the message that clean
energy is smart energy. |
Georgia Tech Management Building
Credit: US DOE High Performance
Building Initiative
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| Hospitals have good reasons
to install solar thermal and/or photovoltaic arrays: |
| 1 |
With huge demand for hot water every day, solar
thermal systems can prove good economics for hospitals. If
well planned, these systems can pay for themselves in just
a few years. |
| 2 |
By generating clean electricity on their building, hospitals
are making a statement. They are recognizing the public health
effects of dirty power plants, and they are visibly choosing
non-polluting energy. |
| |
| Below are a few examples of institutions that
have had success with solar. Consult the National Renewable
Energy Laboratory or a local installer if you’re interested
in going solar. |
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Link
to Solar Installers List |
| |
| Institutional Solar Success
Stories |
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| St. Rose Hospital – San
Antonio, Texas |
| • |
Solar thermal system provides 90% of hot water needs |
| • |
This saves $17,000 per year in water heating costs |
| • |
5,000 square feet of flat plate solar collectors |
| • |
9,000 gallons of hot water storage |
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| University
of San Francisco – San Francisco, California |
| • |
This solar thermal system is capable of heating
13,000 gallons of water |
| • |
It requires a total of 72 solar thermal panels |
| • |
It supplies three dormitories with the hot
water needed to bathe, cook and clean clothes |
University
of San Francisco
Credit: Occidental Power, Inc.
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| Loyala Marymount University
– Los Angeles, California |
| • |
Largest solar installation of any University in the world |
| • |
Part of a partnership with Los Angeles Department of Water
and Power, the Southern California Gas Company and PowerLight |
| • |
This system can generate 723 kilowatts at peak production! |
| • |
Installation is spread across three buildings, including
two halls and the Von der Ahe Library |
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Georgia Tech Aquatic Center
© Georgia Inst of Technology,
Photograph by Stanley Leary
|
| Aquatic Center,
Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta,
Georgia |
| • |
Solar thermal and photovoltaic systems were
installed prior to the 1996 Olympics, when swimming
events were held at the Aquatic Center |
| • |
System meets rigid standards, keeping the temperature
of the pool within a very narrow range |
| • |
Solar water heating is provided by 278 solar
collectors that cover 940 square meters |
|
| • |
Roof also holds 2856 solar electric panels
that cover another 3680 square meters |
| • |
Photovoltaic system generates 340 kW of electricity,
which is more than the building requires |
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