In October 2008, Wilson Community College, Wilson, NC completed the construction of it’s new Student Center Building designed using the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard established by the U.S. Green Building Council.
As part of this tremendous accomplishment, the new building has incorporated many sustainable features that help to drastically reduce energy consumption. One of these features is the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) solar system. The installation of a photovoltaic solar energy system will help to promote the development and growth of renewable energy, education, and training for the businesses and citizens of the local community.
“Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight into electricity and is emerging as a major power source due to its numerous environmental and economic benefits and proven reliability. Enough free sunlight falls on earth to supply our energy needs for years to come.” "Solar Electricity - Photovoltaic Systems and Components, Grid-Connected Solar Electric Systems." Solar Direct. 2008. 7 Jan. 2009 http://solardirect.com/pv/systems/systems.htm
Photovoltaic systems have many environmental, economic, and social benefits. “Sunlight is free and abundant. 
Photovoltaic systems allows you to generate electricity and store it for use when needed. Photovoltaic contributes to our energy security, as a young technology, it creates jobs and strengthens the economy. It frees us from uncertainties and foreign oil dependence.” "Solar Electricity - Photovoltaic Systems and Components, Grid-Connected Solar Electric Systems." Solar Direct. 2008. 7 Jan. 2009 http://solardirect.com/pv/systems/systems.htm
A photovoltaic solar system is also a very environmentally sustainable form of energy because it produces no carbon emissions or air pollutants. It also uses no hazardous substances in its production of electricity nor does it create any hazardous byproducts or wastes.
“Photovoltaic-based systems are generally classified according to their functional and operational requirements, their component configuration, and how the equipment is connected to the other power sources and electrical loads (appliances). The two principle classifications are Grid-Connected and Stand Alone systems. Grid-connected or utility- intertie PV systems are designed to operate in parallel with and interconnected with the electric utility grid.” "Solar Electricity - Photovoltaic Systems and Components, Grid-Connected Solar Electric Systems." Solar Direct. 2008. 7 Jan. 2009 http://solardirect.com/pv/systems/systems.htm
A particularly valuable feature of grid-connected photovoltaic systems is the ability to connect with the existing power grid and sell excessive electricity back to the utility. “Stand-alone PV systems are designed to operate independent of the electric utility grid. . .” "Solar Electricity - Photovoltaic Systems and Components, Grid-Connected Solar Electric Systems." Solar Direct. 2008. 7 Jan. 2009 http://solardirect.com/pv/systems/systems.htm
Wilson Community College chose to install a grid-connected interactive system on their building. The design of the photovoltaic energy system was done by Williard Ferm Architects of Raleigh, NC. The installation of the system was completed by Home Energy Incorporated of Wendell, NC. For more information on Home Energy Incorporated, you can visit their Web site at http://thehomeenergycompany.com.
A description of the photovoltaic system is provided by Williard Ferm: “The system includes thirty-six 224–watt flat plate solar photovoltaic modules arranged into six arrays of six modules each, mounted to the roof of the building. Each group of two arrays (12 modules) inputs DC electric power into one of three DC to AC inverters (located in the electrical room of the building), which convert the 230-volt DC input into 208-volt AC output.
The inverters all output through an electric meter (separate from the building electric meter) onto the Wilson Energy electric grid. The 8,064 watts of panels are expected to produce approximately 10,000 kilowatt-hour of electric energy each year. In addition, the wiring for this system is sized so that an additional 8,000 (nominal) watts of solar modules and additional or upsized inverters can be added at a later date, which would enable the system to double it’s output.” (Charles Ladd, P.E., AIA Williard Ferm Architects, PA).
Claudine M. Brown
Claudine M. Brown - Sustainability Coordinator - Continuing Education - February 16, 2009
