This is an archived UW-P news item,
originally posted: 10/8/2009.
Solar & lighting upgrades to save UW-P $97,000
Installation of a solar electric generating system and a switch to more efficient lighting at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside will mean major energy costs savings. Working with Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency and renewable energy resource, the university has the potential to save $97,000 in annual energy costs.
Earlier this year, UW-Parkside installed a solar electric system with collection panels at three locations: on a roof of Molinaro Hall, on a Facilities Management building, and a free standing array. They will convert the sun's energy into more than 34,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity to help power the campus for the next 30-plus years.
"We wanted a visual representation of the sustainability initiative that our university has been actively pursuing," said Don Kolbe, director of facilities management at UW-Parkside.
Don Wichert, Focus on Energy's renewable energy program director added: "With the confluence of state, federal, and utility incentives that are available for the installation of renewable energy systems, now is an excellent time to install a solar system."
Before investing in renewable energy, UW-Parkside did a lighting makeover at its Sports and Activity Center. The existing metal-halide fixtures were replaced with so-called High Bay fluorescent lights coupled with occupancy sensors. The energy-efficient lighting reduced the university's energy needs and allowed UW-Parkside to install a smaller, less expensive solar energy system.
"The new lighting not only saves energy and helps the environment, but also substantially reduces our energy costs and keeps our budgets down," said Dan Ferraro, engineering specialist manager at UW-Parkside. "On top of all that, we have a better light quality now that really showcases our fieldhouse and our gymnasium."
Focus on Energy provided technical expertise and financial incentives to help move the renewable energy and energy-efficiency efforts forward. These projects, along with replacing more than 5,000 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents, the campus could ultimately save over 1.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually enough energy to power 125 Wisconsin homes for a year. The university will then realize $97,000 or more in energy savings each year.
UW-Parkside's extensive recycling program, use of green cleaning products, and energy conservation measures are a direct result of a decision to practice sustainability.
Focus on Energy helps Wisconsin's businesses and residents identify energy saving opportunities, provides recommendations, develops energy management plans and arranges technical training opportunities on energy conservation. For more information about Focus on Energy, visit www.focusonenergy.com or call 800-762-7077.
Publish date: 10/8/2009
