The solar array at Eastview Campus
The college recently dedicated the ACC Energy Project, an extensive solar panel system that includes arrays at Eastview and Northridge campuses.
The two systems together represent the largest solar array in Austin. The power produced annually would provide electricity for nearly 50 homes; that equals an energy cost savings of about $44,000 each year.
“The ACC Energy Project continues our commitment to a sustainable future,” says Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO. “We are reducing our dependence on non-renewable sources of energy and increasing environmental awareness.”
The solar panels aren’t easy to spot – they’re located on the campus roofs – but the project made a big impression on students.
“We walked away seeing how committed Austin Community College is to becoming more ‘green,’ ” says Jason Shaw, outreach coordinator for ACC’s Renewable Energy Student Association. “This will inspire others to do more to help the environment, too.”
The ACC Board of Trustees, president, and dedication guests reveal the plaque commemorating the ACC Energy Project.
The ACC Energy Project was primarily funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the federal stimulus.
“By generating renewable energy on-site through the solar installations, ACC will help meet electricity needs at two campuses while reducing tax dollars spent on electricity costs,” says Lisa Elledge, stimulus program manager at the State Energy Conservation Office, which administered the federal funding.
At its height, the ACC Energy Project created five jobs and sustained another 48 at Jamail & Smith Construction, the project contractor, and Texas Solar Power Company, the subcontractor.
“We are honored to play a key role in this important solar project for Austin Community College,” says Greg Smith, executive vice president for Jamail & Smith Construction.”Completing the largest solar array project in Austin marks an important milestone for our continued commitment to sustainability.”
The solar array at Northridge Campus
The ACC Energy Project will have an annual environmental impact equivalent to driving 460,000 fewer miles, planting 8,900 trees, and preventing 262 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from polluting the air.
“We’ve rolled out a host of efforts that minimize ACC’s impact on the environment,” says Andy Kim, the college’s director of environmental stewardship. “But the ACC Energy Project is definitely one of the most impressive.”
ACC’s commitment to sustainable practices is also reflected in the college’s many educational programs that prepare students for green economy careers. The college offers training in solar panel systems (photovoltaics), wind power, energy efficient structures, green building, weatherization, alternative fuel vehicles, managing for sustainability, and more.
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By Irwin Tang December 15, 2010 - 3:08 pm
I’m curious about the manufacturer of the solar panels. Did ACC use Suntech, Sunpower, or some other brand? Both Suntech and Sunpower have some association with Austin, as they are building plants here.
By Albert Autin December 16, 2010 - 1:05 pm
It’s about time! Good job ACC, way to set the bar. Now we just need to outfit EVERY campus with these. 🙂
By Laura December 17, 2010 - 4:42 pm
Awesome!!!! (:
By Andy Kim December 20, 2010 - 6:00 pm
The PV modules are from SolarWorld. These panels are made in the United States, which was a requirement for the federal grant project.
By Christina Bodling December 22, 2010 - 1:35 am
I think it will me more useful on the electric bill of all of ACC campuses, and this will be more interesting that all campuses go solar power.
By w alverson January 4, 2011 - 9:50 am
What was the cost of installing solar power and how many years will it take to pay for itself thru electric cost savings?
By Andy Kim January 5, 2011 - 12:24 pm
It was the ARRA funded project, without the federal grant, it would’ve not been economically feasible.
It is not easy to do the simple math for the ROI. Not like residential properties, ACC’s electricity bills are largely from the demand charges. We will be able to save over $44,000 per year, so the simple ROI will be less than 10 yrs and we expect this to be much shorter, by shaving off the peak demand during the summer months.
More information at:
http://www.austincc.edu/sustainability/re_energy.php
By Jennifer Villa January 7, 2011 - 2:31 pm
Yay!! This makes me super happy… 😀
By Jonte Johnson January 19, 2011 - 5:15 pm
As an aspiring Renewable Energy Specializer, I would like to say this is a big step towards keeping it Green. A.C.C just gave hope to people like me