Lanier Technical College (LTC) in Oakwood, Ga., obtained a $503,000 grant to install operational and educational photovoltaic and thermal solar systems in multiple locations including the Forsyth and Oakwood Campuses, and the Manufacturing Development Center in Gainesville, Ga. These tools will be used to provide training and skills for professionals working or seeking a career in the growing solar energy industry. The grant, awarded by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), was funded through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). LTC provided $333,620 in funds to complete the project.
A total of 407 square feet of solar panels were installed on LTC’s Oakwood and Forsyth campuses. The solar photovoltaic systems installations included two 2.88 Kilowatt (kW) on-grid ground mount tracking systems, two 2.88 kW on-grid ground mount canopy systems, two on-grid roof mount fixed arrays totaling approximately 40 kW, and two fixed roof mount off-grid arrays totaling 1.2 kW. The two off-grid systems provide exterior lighting, which is a visible output of the energy produced. The energy generation of the on-grid photovoltaic systems is monitored through online software, also purchased through the grant. The Oakwood and Forsyth campus solar photovoltaic systems are easily seen as visitors and students approach the campuses.
The solar thermal installations included three, flat panel solar hot water systems with total capacity of approximately 142,325 British Thermal Units (Btu) per day, and two evacuated panel solar hot water systems with a total capacity of approximately 78,425 Btu per day. These solar hot water systems provide supplemental hot water generation for instructional and domestic hot water needs at each location.
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LTC also installed an off-grid pole mounted, low capacity solar photovoltaic system for exterior lighting at the LTC Manufacturing Development Center (MDC) at the Featherbone Communiversity in Gainesville, Ga. A new Potomac Electronic Messaging System was also purchased for the MDC to monitor and display the energy generation of photovoltaic on-grid systems.
“GEFA encourages renewable energy in Georgia through funds and technical assistance to schools and organizations that seek to educate and train professionals for work in the renewable energy industry,” said Kevin Clark, GEFA executive director. “In addition to providing training and educational opportunities, this project will also help the college save money and conserve energy.”
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John H. Boneberg, senior project manager for O’Brien & Gere of Atlanta, said that the DOE grant has many positive results for Georgians. “These solar systems provide operational photovoltaic and thermal solar systems to help reduce Lanier Tech’s energy usage. Overall, the solar energy contribution saves energy and reduces the carbon footprint of the College.”
Boneberg added that the GEFA grant to LTC would enable the college to provide skills for jobs in the growing solar energy industry. “These photovoltaic and thermal solar systems give students an opportunity to study in a green field with hands-on training and visible operational systems utilizing the most up-to-date solar technology. There are very few solar technology programs in the nation, so as the use of solar energy grows in the southeast, Lanier Tech students graduating from our Solar Technology Program will likely be in high demand because of the limited number of qualified technicians in the Southeast.”
LTC has an emerging Solar Technology Program with eight areas of study including professional certificates, diplomas and a solar energy technology associate of applied science degree. For students seeking employment in the growing solar energy industry, some of the GEFA grant funds were used to purchase specialized training equipment that will be used to teach both solar photovoltaic and solar thermal principles in a new LTC program.
Sam Ajanli, department chair of LTC’s Industrial Systems and Solar Technology Program said that interest in the program is increasing as more people become aware of the program.
“The installation of the solar systems at the various campuses will allow students to see these systems in operation and monitor the energy produced. The trainers that were provided will be used to help teach installation and learn the theory of operations for solar systems.”
Ajanli added, “The training we will now be providing will enhance the solar technology curriculum by the additional trainers and not only will we be able to install and operate, but troubleshoot and maintain. Also included was software to monitor these systems. This can now be incorporated into the existing curriculum to enhance the learning of the efficiency and peak production of the sun’s energy. This will allow our students to enter the various fields of solar energy in the state of Georgia. These industries include residential, commercial, industrial, municipalities, utilities and agriculture. Georgia has a solid base for these industries and Lanier Technical College will now be providing qualified and trained personnel to work in these industries.”
To help promote the use of solar energy technologies and how they positively affect the lives of Georgians, LTC utilized some of the DOE grant funds to create a solar-powered, miniature home display at the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids Inc. (INK) located in Gainesville, Ga.
Tim Bala, the coordinator of robotics training for the economic development services at LTC and other staff, designed and created the display at INK. Bala explained, “The idea behind the display is to introduce solar as an alternative energy source. The Solar House, as it’s known at INK, has a three-panel array mounted on the roof. The Solar House was constructed of renewable materials. When visitors approach the Solar House, a motion sensor turns on an interior light. The display also has pictures of wind generators, another alternative energy source. Visitors to INK range from young children to adults, and the Solar House is a great way to introduce alternative energy to all ages.”
About Lanier Technical College
Lanier Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, serves as the foremost workforce development resource for Forsyth, Banks, Barrow, Dawson, Hall, Jackson, and Lumpkin counties by providing career-technical education programs, offered through traditional and distance delivery methods, leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit; customized business and industry training and economic development services; continuing education for technical and professional development; and adult education services. For more information about Lanier Technical College and the programs of study, visit the Web site or call 770-531-6300.
About the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) provides energy, land and water resources resulting in an improved quality of life for today and future generations. GEFA is the lead agency for state energy programs and is home to the Center of Innovation for Energy; directs the Georgia Land Conservation Program and maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure. Since 1985, GEFA has approved financial commitments totaling more than $3 billion to local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit the Web site, Facebook or Flickr.
