 The North Carolina Solar Center works with schools across the state to design and install photovoltaic systems on campus. These systems provide hands-on learning experiences for students as well as electric power for the schools.
The NC Solar Center recently installed photovoltaic electric vehicle charging stations at three North Carolina high schools. The systems were designed by the NC Solar Center and were constructed by Solar Center staff, students, teachers and county school electricians.
The 2 kilowatt PV charging stations were installed at high schools that were participating in the Carolina EV Challenge program. These schools had converted gasoline powered vehicles to electric powered vehicles as part of the EV Challenge. In addition to charging vehicles, the systems deliver PV-generated electricity to the school buildings, reducing the amount of electricity generated from fossil fuels the schools purchase from the local utility. Each of the PV systems will generate approximately 2,800 kWh of electrical energy per year, enough energy for a typical electric vehicle to travel 22,000 miles.
 The funding for the PV EV charging stations was obtained through a Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant from the Division of Air Quality, North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The Virginia Alliance for Solar Electricity provided the PV modules for these projects at a reduced price. Additional funding for these projects was provided by the Carolina EV Challenge and the State Energy Office, North Carolina Department of Administration.
Carolina EV Challenge
www.evchallenge.org
Over 30 high schools in North Carolina are involved in the Carolina EV Challenge. The Carolina EV Challenge's high school program provides students with hands-on opportunities to learn about the transportation challenges facing society. Students learn about energy efficient transportation and clean fuel technologies. Students are involved in activities such as performing oral presentations for community groups, conducting environmental research, and writing articles for their local newspapers. The largest task of the EV Challenge teams is the conversion of a gasoline vehicle to electric power. Schools involve students from math, auto mechanics, physics, environmental science, engineering, electronics, journalism, English, speech, business, drafting, art and other classes.
|
