The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Wyoming Report

October 29, 2009

CTC students to maintain, monitor solar energy system

By Mary Catherine Brooks

While a grant-funded solar energy system will reduce costs for the Wyoming County Career and Technical Center, more importantly, it will provide another education component for students.

At least that is what industrial technology instructor Dan McKinney is working toward.

McKinney obtained a $45,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant, in conjunction with the Canaan Valley Institute, for the program.

With the grant, the equipment will be acquired and his students will install the grid-connected photovoltaics system, more commonly known as “solar powered electricity,” on the industrial technology building at the career center.

Students will also maintain and monitor the system.

As part of the educational component, students will be able to monitor how much electricity is generated by the system, how much electricity is being used in the building, among other data.

If the system produces more electricity than the building uses, then a credit is issued by the utility company.

“This is not a business venture,” McKinney emphasizes. “This is an educational process.

“This will be student-installed and student operated,” he said.

McKinney hopes to have the equipment installed by the end of May.

Eventually, he also hopes to have the data available on the Internet for anyone interested in following the progress of the program.

The program will allow industrial technology students to learn about one of the fastest growing renewable energy industries in the world.

The students can work in the renewable energy industry or they can start their own business with the knowledge they take away from the class, McKinney explained.

“The number one goal here is to provide students with a good background in the technology field,” he said. “This (solar energy systems) is just another educational component.”

Industrial technology provides students with the fundamentals of industrial equipment, basic designs, hydraulic and electrical systems – the foundation of industrialized countries.

“The photovoltaics system will give students a background in an emerging industry. Hopefully, it will give them a background for employment. Some may be interested enough to pursue their interest in renewable energy through college. And it may open some doors for economic development in southern West Virginia,” McKinney said.

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