March 22, 2010 issue
EMU proposes solar-energy system
By Jeremy Hunt Harrisonburg Daily News RecordPage:
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HARRISONBURG, Va. — Imagine a carport that not only shields vehicles from the hot sun but also harnesses the energy and uses it to power air conditioning.
That’s one element of a multimillion dollar proposal that would transform Eastern Mennonite University’s campus into the first commercial-scale solar energy system in Virginia.
“EMU is a very natural candidate,” said Tony Smith, president and chief executive officer of Secure Futures LLC, referring to the university’s eco-friendly practices.
Secure Futures is partnering with EMU on the project, which has been in the works for about a year.
The solar panels would supply about 12 percent of the university’s electricity demand and net a savings of $2 million over 25 years, Smith said at an information meeting at EMU on March 1.
Officials hope to have the solar panels in operation by the fall semester, with construction starting this summer.
This would be the latest in a series of environmentally friendly projects at EMU. Last year, the university unveiled a “green” dormitory that achieves national building standards for energy efficiency.
“EMU has had for a long time a very strong record in sustainability,” said President Loren Swartzendruber.
Harrisonburg City Council must first approve a revision to EMU’s master plan before the project could begin.
In addition to procedural and regulatory hurdles, more funding is needed to get the project off the ground.
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Comments
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Now is an exciting time for photovoltaics and for renewable energy. -PSES
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