Now is a great time to green up your school, and solar energy is the best way to do it! Whether you need consultation or a project design we are here to help you with solar energy systems of any size. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Resources for your industry:
PV Watts and PV Calc are two different (free) websites that are good for calculating the potential energy savings (kWh and $) of your PV system based on your geographical location. Infinite Power has a number of different energy calculators and scholastic software. The last two websites listed are resources specifically for curriculum planning.
Solar Calculator: The purpose of this tool is to allow you to calculate how much energy will be produced by photovoltaic solar panels in a geographical area. It takes into account the amount of sun in the area and average electric rates.
What do you need to know to use this program?
Specifications on your PV system (size, array type, tilt, etc.)
Where your PV system is/will be located
What information does this program give you?
For each month of the year you learn:
how much Solar Radiation (kWh/m2/day) is produced in your geographical location
how much AC Energy (kWh) your PV system will produce in that geographical location
how much money that energy is worth (based on average regional electric utility costs)
What is the difference between v1 and v2?
Version 1: Simplest version; accessible directly through internet browser; limited in its geographical data.
Version 2: More complex; accessible through NREL server (no downloading necessary); geographical data available to exact coordinates; hourly values of PV performance are not available (only monthly values).
The purpose of the PV calculator is to assess the cost effectiveness of installing a PV system and the energy that will be produced. It allows you to enter your custom site information and quickly model different “what if” situations. Both calculators show rebates, incentives and tax credits available based on your zip code and electric company. Use the calculator for “PV Installers” for a more complete calculation.
What do you need to know to use this program?
Specifications on your PV system (size, array type, tilt, etc.)
PV system costs (estimated is okay)
Current electric usage of your building (by cost or kW)
Where your PV system is/will be located
What information does this program give you?
For each month of the year you learn:
how much Solar Radiation (kWh/m2/day) is produced in your geographical location
how much AC Energy (kWh) your PV system will produce in that geographical location
how much money that energy is worth (based on average regional electric utility costs)
what your annual electric savings can be
how many pounds of greenhouse gases you can save from being emitted
“Our interactive calculators help you understand energy production and consumption in a whole new way. Use them to develop a personal profile of your own energy use.” Various software programs have been included in this section for your information.
“CEE works with K-12 schools to address climate change issues and to cultivate healthy lifestyles. Children learn best through experience. If their schools are green, children will learn to live that way. ” This website features a Curriculum Library where you can search for energy-related lesson plans.
This site is hosted by the NY State Energy Research and Development Authority but is still useful for planning curriculum in other states.
From the home page, click on “Programs/Technology,” then choose “>School Power Naturally” from the toolbar on the right, then from the same toolbar choose “>In the Classroom” to access the lessons.
Often times we hear of people making changes in their energy choices for the children, who are the future. Well the children are taking their future into their own hands: two Vermont schools have taken their first small steps in energy independence. ReKnew Energy Systems partnered with Marion Cross School of Norwich, Vermont to install a 3.5 kW photovoltaic (PV) system in 2008. The technology coordinator and other school staff wanted their project to be highly visible so they asked for a special PV array design that would showcase their system. ReKnew designed a truly unique awning-mounted system that is not only highly visible, but serves a dual purpose by acting as an actual awning that provides shade for classrooms and a solar energy system that provides electricity for classrooms. This system was paid for with the help of state construction loans and generates power year round. Follow this link to see the real-time energy record of the school’s system.
ReKnew Energy Systems also partnered with the Newton School of South Strafford, VT to install a 1.56 kW system. This K-8 school also wanted some part of their energy system to be visible to the community so the inverter is located outside the school library for public viewing. Both of these schools chose to monitor their systems with the latest monitoring technology so they can acquire data to use as part of their curricula. With the monitoring system, they are able to access data online to learn how much energy their system is producing, the temperature of the PV panels, how much carbon emissions they are avoiding, and historical data. Some monitoring systems even come with weather monitoring and building demand monitoring so schools can learn how much energy the entire building is using. Monitoring systems provide a way for schools and communities to see – in dollars, in kilowatt hours, in avoided carbon emissions – how their energy choices are paying off. Though for small schools, those numbers will be small, each part we play in the green energy movement is worthwhile.
Collaborating with Students
ReKnew values the opportunity to collaborate with schools, students, and teachers. One outstanding experience includes a 50 kW solar electric installation in Rutland, VT for the utility CVPS. This project was commissioned to be highly visible with an educational component involving Stafford Technical Center students (high school aged). This 265 panel array was installed during the 2009-2010 school year and STC students were directly involved with this project including panel assembly and installation.
ReKnew also sponsored a 2010 Earth Day event at Dartmouth College’s Sustainable Living Center (SLC). This event consisted of a presentation to the student body, faculty, and press. Students living in the SLC and prospective students were then able to spend time with our lead solar hot water installer to learn the ins and outs of their new hot water system.
Internships
ReKnew offers internships on an occasional basis. Due to the small size of our company we usually accept only one intern to work with our installers and/or design engineers during the busy summer months. In recent years we have worked with Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT to find talented interns.
Colleges
ReKnew Energy Systems is currently working with Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH to install solar hot water systems on various buildings. The first installation was completed in April 2010 at the Sustainable Living Center, an on-campus affinity house. The second installation will occur in Summer 2010 on the college President’s house.
Schools
Now is a great time to green up your school, and solar energy is the best way to do it! Whether you need consultation or a project design we are here to help you with solar energy systems of any size. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Resources for your industry:
PV Watts and PV Calc are two different (free) websites that are good for calculating the potential energy savings (kWh and $) of your PV system based on your geographical location. Infinite Power has a number of different energy calculators and scholastic software. The last two websites listed are resources specifically for curriculum planning.
PV Watts
http://www.pvwatts.org/
Solar Calculator: The purpose of this tool is to allow you to calculate how much energy will be produced by photovoltaic solar panels in a geographical area. It takes into account the amount of sun in the area and average electric rates.
What do you need to know to use this program?
What information does this program give you?
For each month of the year you learn:
What is the difference between v1 and v2?
Version 1: Simplest version; accessible directly through internet browser; limited in its geographical data.
Version 2: More complex; accessible through NREL server (no downloading necessary); geographical data available to exact coordinates; hourly values of PV performance are not available (only monthly values).
PV Calc
http://www.pvcalc.com/
The purpose of the PV calculator is to assess the cost effectiveness of installing a PV system and the energy that will be produced. It allows you to enter your custom site information and quickly model different “what if” situations. Both calculators show rebates, incentives and tax credits available based on your zip code and electric company. Use the calculator for “PV Installers” for a more complete calculation.
What do you need to know to use this program?
What information does this program give you?
For each month of the year you learn:
Infinite Power
http://www.infinitepower.org/calculators.htm
“Our interactive calculators help you understand energy production and consumption in a whole new way. Use them to develop a personal profile of your own energy use.” Various software programs have been included in this section for your information.
Center for Environmental Education
http://www.ceeonline.org/default.aspx
“CEE works with K-12 schools to address climate change issues and to cultivate healthy lifestyles. Children learn best through experience. If their schools are green, children will learn to live that way. ” This website features a Curriculum Library where you can search for energy-related lesson plans.
School Power…Naturally
http://www.powernaturally.org/default.asp
This site is hosted by the NY State Energy Research and Development Authority but is still useful for planning curriculum in other states.
From the home page, click on “Programs/Technology,” then choose “>School Power Naturally” from the toolbar on the right, then from the same toolbar choose “>In the Classroom” to access the lessons.
To access the lessons directly, try this URL: http://www.powernaturally.org/Programs/SchoolPowerNaturally/InTheClassroom/default.asp?i=9
Incentives for your industry:
Our experiences in your industry:
Small Schools
Often times we hear of people making changes in their energy choices for the children, who are the future. Well the children are taking their future into their own hands: two Vermont schools have taken their first small steps in energy independence. ReKnew Energy Systems partnered with Marion Cross School of Norwich, Vermont to install a 3.5 kW photovoltaic (PV) system in 2008. The technology coordinator and other school staff wanted their project to be highly visible so they asked for a special PV array design that would showcase their system. ReKnew designed a truly unique awning-mounted system that is not only highly visible, but serves a dual purpose by acting as an actual awning that provides shade for classrooms and a solar energy system that provides electricity for classrooms. This system was paid for with the help of state construction loans and generates power year round. Follow this link to see the real-time energy record of the school’s system.
ReKnew Energy Systems also partnered with the Newton School of South Strafford, VT to install a 1.56 kW system. This K-8 school also wanted some part of their energy system to be visible to the community so the inverter is located outside the school library for public viewing. Both of these schools chose to monitor their systems with the latest monitoring technology so they can acquire data to use as part of their curricula. With the monitoring system, they are able to access data online to learn how much energy their system is producing, the temperature of the PV panels, how much carbon emissions they are avoiding, and historical data. Some monitoring systems even come with weather monitoring and building demand monitoring so schools can learn how much energy the entire building is using. Monitoring systems provide a way for schools and communities to see – in dollars, in kilowatt hours, in avoided carbon emissions – how their energy choices are paying off. Though for small schools, those numbers will be small, each part we play in the green energy movement is worthwhile.
Collaborating with Students
ReKnew values the opportunity to collaborate with schools, students, and teachers. One outstanding experience includes a 50 kW solar electric installation in Rutland, VT for the utility CVPS. This project was commissioned to be highly visible with an educational component involving Stafford Technical Center students (high school aged). This 265 panel array was installed during the 2009-2010 school year and STC students were directly involved with this project including panel assembly and installation.
ReKnew also sponsored a 2010 Earth Day event at Dartmouth College’s Sustainable Living Center (SLC). This event consisted of a presentation to the student body, faculty, and press. Students living in the SLC and prospective students were then able to spend time with our lead solar hot water installer to learn the ins and outs of their new hot water system.
Internships
ReKnew offers internships on an occasional basis. Due to the small size of our company we usually accept only one intern to work with our installers and/or design engineers during the busy summer months. In recent years we have worked with Vermont Technical College in Randolph, VT to find talented interns.
Colleges
ReKnew Energy Systems is currently working with Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH to install solar hot water systems on various buildings. The first installation was completed in April 2010 at the Sustainable Living Center, an on-campus affinity house. The second installation will occur in Summer 2010 on the college President’s house.