UGA Takes First Step With Solar Power

A joint effort of faculty, staff and students to support the University of Georgia’s commitment to solar energy has led to the installation of photovoltaic modules on theCollege of Environment and Design, the first such project on campus.

The German company MAGE SOLAR USA, which is based in Dublin and specializes in solar systems and provides photovoltaic modules, mounting systems and brand inverters, manufactured the modules.

According to a MAGE SOLAR news release, the installation is to be a research tool in the implementation and development of clean energy sources across the UGA campus.

The release also said that the university’sTerry College of Business and theCollege of Engineering are to use the pilot project to monitor its efficiency with an eye to further installations.

The GoGreen Alliance student organization, the Office of University Architects and the Office of Sustainabilityare cited in the release for their support of the project, which was funded through grants, student fees and a utility award from the university’s Facilities Management Division.

“The UGA Solar Demonstration Project is a small step, but a significant one in the right direction,” Kevin Kirsche, director of sustainability at the university, said in the release.

Also according to the release, UGA is participating in the Governor’s Energy Challenge, an initiative that promotes energy efficiency and a reduction in state electricity consumption through a number of long-term programs.

The university has pledged to reduce its total energy consumption 20 percent by 2020.

The project is to generate nearly 30,000 kilo-watt hours of electricity each year while saving $3,000 in energy costs, according to the release.

For more information, call Susanne Fischer-Quinn, head of corporate communications, at 478-609-6790 or send an email to Susanne.Fischer-Quinn(at)magesolar.com