Solar Field

he solar field is located on the northeast side of the Florida Gulf Coast University campus. It can be accessed by a dirt road off of FGCU Blvd. by the main entrance on the north side of the road. The solar array consists of 10,818 panels that measures roughly 15 acres. The solar field produces enough energy to power hundreds of houses. The solar field powers three buildings on campus which are Lutgert Hall, Holmes Hall, and Academic Building 7. There are also solar panels on top of all buildings in South Village which powers all the hot water in the buildings. The panels can follow the path of the sun for maximum efficiency.

The science behind the solar fields is not simple. A solar module consists of one solar element, and a solar panel consists of six solar modules. Sunlight passes through a glass cover coated with anti-glare material onto a semiconductor, a wafer made of silicone, that has a negative and a positive side. When the light particles strike the negative side, electrons are discharged in the silicone. Then, the electrons flow into the positive side, creating an electrical current (FGCU).

To maximize the efficiency of the solar field, the solar panels follow the sun’s path by using a computer to tell the system what angle will give you the most sunlight. The solar array uses steel beams that rotate all of the panels at the same rate. A geared motor adjusts the panels to the angle they need to be at. A computer is what generates what angle the solar array should be at for maximum efficiency. There are four circuits that power the three buildings and the power travels through underground wiring networks.

The solar field was finished in November 2009 and should provide the school power for 20 years without using any fossil fuels, and it produces no greenhouse gases. The project costed 16 million dollars and FGCU partnered with another company and split the cost of the project. The system runs whenever there is sunshine.

For more information contact: Jim Hehl at jhehl@fgcu.edu

Citations:

GOING GREEN: FGCU’s Commitment to the Environment, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL.

Hehl, Jim. Personal Interview. 31 Oct. 2018.

Greenhoe, J. “Solar Field.” Facilities Planning, www2.fgcu.edu/Facilities/SolarField.html.