Modern spaces and solar system highlight spring 2018 construction news
newpaltz.edu
February 5, 2017
This 217 kilowatt photovoltaic array and battery system will be fully operational by the end of the spring semester, bringing dramatic efficiency benefits to the campus energy grid and supplying an invaluable backup power source for use in emergencies.
The star of the project is the new energy storage system. This state-of-the-art technology unleashes the generative potential of solar panels, making it possible to store large amounts of energy for later use.
Technicians from Solar Liberty worked with Facilities Management staff in November to install the power inverters that make this possible. Testing has been ongoing over Winter Break, and the system is expected to be up and running by February.
Photovoltaic arrays are already operating on the roofs of Elting Gym and Sojourner Truth Library. Even without the storage system, these power sources are already paying dividends for the College; on days when the air conditioning is not needed, the Library can now operate at zero net energy use.
This project is made possible thanks in large part to support from the New York Power Authority (NYPA), New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Central Hudson Gas & Electric. Representatives from these and other organizations will help the College unveil the system at an April 2018 ribbon cutting.
