Rooftop Array, AWC Ag & Science Complex
Solar with a Purpose
According to the “Guinness Book of World Records”, Yuma, Arizona is the sunniest place on earth. In the next eleven months, Arizona Western College (AWC) in Yuma, in collaboration with PPA Partners Arizona, LLC (PPA) and Arizona Public Service (APS) will capitalize on that by installing the single largest solar array on any U.S. college or university campus.
Combined with the existing rooftop array on the AWC Agriculture and Science building, the total solar installation at the college will be 5 megawatts, and will generate enough energy to cover 100% of the college’s daytime energy needs.
The new 4.995 megawatt array will serve as a foundation for local education and workforce development in renewable energy technology and engineering. The main array will be joined by multiple testing and demonstration sites for manufacturers from around the world to test their latest products.
Array Characteristics
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Energy Generation, Education, Research and Innovation
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Multiple Photovoltaic Technologies, including
- High Concentration
- Low Concentration
- Mono Crystalline
- Poly Crystalline
- Thin Film
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Single and dual axis tracking
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State of the art metering and inverter technology
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Private test beds
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Level playing field - consistent test platform
Curriculum
Currently in place:
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Green technology embedded curriculum in science, engineering, and career and technical programs
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AWC is working with local high schools and the local workforce development organization to deliver a weatherization program
Planned:
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Cutting edge solar technology curriculum that will include the campus PV array and testing facilities as learning laboratories
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Certificates and degrees in solar technology and solar installation are currently under development with classes anticipated to begin spring semester 2011
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Aassociate in science degree in renewable energy with transfer pathways to the baccalaureate degree beginning fall semester 2011.
Paying for the Array
Financial incentives from Arizona Public Service's (APS) Renewable Energy Incentive Program are helping defray nearly half the cost of the solar installation. APS also has been working closely with AWC and PPA Partners to bring the project to fruition. PPA Partners is the developer and is securing financing for the project.
Campus Map with Planned Solar Deployment
Planned solar deployments in orange.
Existing Rooftop Array
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105.6 kilowatts
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Located on the roof of the AWC Ag & Science Complex
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Data available online, used by K-12 educators around the region
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Photo album here
