Solar Photovoltaic Demonstration Project

The installation of a photovoltaic (solar panel) system for the Trades Division located near the Landscape/Horticulture Learning Center at the Green Bay Botanical Gardens has been completed. Electricity produced by this system will be tied directly into the electric utility grid, with any additional/excess electricity produced being sold back to the utility company. Photovoltaic systems and technologies are expected to increase in coming years as a source for clean energy. This system will help train future NWTC students in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of such systems.

Specifications for this system were prepared in partnership with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation who provided a grant towards purchase of a system and also provided a technical consultant for the project. An additional grant was received from the Wisconsin Focus on Energy Renewable Energy Program and from a private donor.

The work was completed by Lake Michigan Wind and Sun, based out of Sturgeon Bay, Wi. A 4.2 KW system involving two (2) solar collector panels (shaped as a sunflower) has been installed. You can view daily, weekly, and monthly reports at the Sunny Portal web site.

For more information about current or planned offerings, contact Amy Kox, Renewable Energy Technologies Manager, at (920) 498-6908.