Furman University to Install Energy Efficient Solar Panels

At the Furman University campus, a new project on solar panels installation is anticipated to increase the overall solar energy output by four times. The Herman W. Lay Physical Activities Center (PAC) at the university campus will have the new solar panels installed. Recently, the South Carolina Energy Office has awarded a grant of $340,000 for installing 304 numbers of photovoltaic solar panels at this center.

In terms of growth, photovoltaics (PVs) is said to be the fastest growing technology in the world in the energy field. PVs utilize solar cells for converting energy from the sunlight into electrical energy. The PAC installation is expected to have a 92 kW peak production output and is anticipated to provide the university with savings of $9,300 annually.

Currently, the university is focusing on making sustainability an important aspect of campus life; moreover, it is also taking steps to decrease its carbon footprint. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded the university with a grant of $2.5 million for a novel energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly geothermal cooling and heating system for the student housing complex at North Village.