GAMBIER — Kenyon College has successfully implemented a series of solar power systems that have been met with success for post-secondary students.
The program has been hailed as a generational display of technological innovation by school officials.
The overall performance of these systems, despite a few minor setbacks caused by squirrels and occasional communication hiccups with online monitoring platforms, has been commendable, Director of Green Initiatives David Heithaus said.
The project’s inception dates to 2016 when the first solar power system was installed. Since then, the college has continued to add one system approximately every 18 months, resulting in a total of five systems in operation.
With the exception of the smallest system, which was relocated from another site, all installations have been brand new, ranging in age from two to six or seven years, Heithaus said.
These systems are strategically placed at various locations, including the Kenyon Farm, the Village Inn, the Village Market, Hoehn-Saric House, and Gund Commons.
Funding for these solar power systems was provided entirely by the college, with costs based on prevailing market rates per deployed kilowatt, Heithaus said.
While the concept of cost-effectiveness can be subjective, the college has found significant value in the return on investment (ROI) these systems offer, he noted.
Each system is integrated as part of a solar power course taught by Jerry Kelly and Dr. Eric Holdener, ensuring that students receive a practical education while obtaining optimal value for their investment.
Although the ROI may differ depending on the specific system, all installations are projected to pay for themselves during their operational lifespan.
The college doesn’t offer an official solar panel licensed certification for students who take the related panel class. However, Heithaus said the students gain enough knowledge to be “almost ready for a North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners certification test.”
During the winter months, when daylight hours are noticeably shorter, the solar systems experience a decrease in production. The extent of this reduction varies from year to year, primarily influenced by weather conditions.
Still, even during December and January, when production is at its lowest, it’s estimated to reach approximately one-fifth of the energy generated during the sun-soaked months of June and July.
Despite these seasonal fluctuations, no significant drawbacks have been identified, Heithaus said. The college has the financial capacity to endure longer ROI periods, and the systems themselves serve as invaluable teaching tools within the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
Consequently, a significant number of graduates have pursued careers in this field, highlighting the positive impact of these solar power systems.
The solar systems operate on a straightforward principle, effectively replacing grid energy with renewable energy. The college intends to add panels to the network where it’s deemed practical, Heithaus said.
