UW-Rock County gets Alliant grant for solar installation

Thursday, December 04, 2008

From a media release issued by Alliant Energy:

MADISON, WI – December 2, 2008 – A photovoltaic solar installation project at the University of Wisconsin-Rock County will generate at least 5,000 kilowatt hours annually and at the same time, be utilized for a variety of educational activities. The installation of the solar electric system was made possible in part, thanks to a $15,000 grant from Alliant Energy’s Second Nature program.

The photovoltaic system will utilize between 20 and 40 solar panels to generate between five and ten kilowatts of electricity. The solar panels will be located on the site of the Engineering Center and will produce electricity for classrooms while providing educational opportunities for the students to learn about renewable energy. The addition of the solar panels will provide the school with the ability to directly use small amounts of solar DC power in the engineering lab.

“The purpose of the Second Nature Solar Grant Program is to promote the use of solar energy, increase awareness of solar as a renewable resource, and create educational opportunities,” said Barbara Siehr-Vice President of Energy Delivery-Customer Service. The program provides grants to qualifying organizations to support new solar energy installations.

“We’re grateful to Alliant Energy and the Second Nature program for their support of this project”, commented Diane Pillard, Campus Executive Officer and Dean. “We will not only save on our energy costs and reduce our carbon footprint, but provide educational opportunities year after year for our students in a variety of science disciplines.”

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