PV
There are currently 10 photovoltaic systems at Appalachian, both on campus and at satellite sites. These systems are demonstrating the viability of PV as a renewable energy source and providing research and analysis opportunities that will help define our energy future. Aside from generating clean, carbon-free electricity, education is a key element in the value of these systems. Appalachian places a high priority on producing students versed in the knowledge of what a sustainable energy future looks like.
Appalachian State currently has 10 Photovoltaic systems producing electricity for campus
Name: Raley Parking Lot System
Location: 416 Howard Street, in front of Raley Hall, adjacent to the Appalcart stop.
Installation: July 2008
Average Yearly Production: 4848 kWh
Funding Source: student REI
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The Story: The solar array at the Raley Parking Lot a wonderful example of the aesthetic versatility of photovoltaics. By adding beauty into the functional design of this working system, the mountain-scape array welcomes all who see it to our community with statement of optimism, commitment and style.
Name: E3 House System
Location: Blackburn Vannoy Farm, 608 Water Tank Road, Fleetwood NC
Installation: 2010
Average Yearly Production: 3700 kWh (anticipated)
Funding Source: REI
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The Story: The ASU E3 House is a prototypical dwelling designed and constructed for use in remote or disaster relief situations where electricity and access to public sanitation are unavailable. Originally built by students in the Building Science and Appropriate Technology programs as a response to the common FEMA trailers used for relief after Hurricane Katrina this mobile unit is designed to be self-sufficient and adaptable to a variety of environmental and cultural situations. The E3 house gets its name from considering its design's effect on environment, economy and ecology.
Name: Biofuels Facility PV System
Location: 161 Ayers Lane Boone NC. On the grounds of ASU Physical Plant complex
Installation: 2007
Average Yearly Production: 2200 kWh
Funding Source: REI/EPA grant
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The Story: The Collaborative Biodiesel Project is a student-led initiative at Appalachian State University and was funded by the EPA P3 Award: "Student Design Competition for Sustainability" and the ASU Renewable Energy Initiative (ASUREI). This facility researches ways to close the loop in biodiesel manufacturing. Students and staff at Appalachian State's Technology Department installed this grid-tied system in 2007 which is designed to supply electricity to offset energy needed for the production of biodiesel fuel. This array is the first grid-tied system for both the University and the local utility, New River Light and Power.
Name: Blackburn Vannoy Farm Pole Mount PV System
Location: 608 Water Tank Road, Fleetwood NC. The system is located 15 feet east of the barn.
Installation: 2012
Average Yearly Production: 2000 kWh (anticipated)
Funding Source: REI
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The Story: The Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm is a student and faculty-powered operation that offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves into a living lab. The goal of the SD Farm is to become a multi-purpose, integrated farming system that produces healthy food, fiber, and other raw materials that can be cultivated successfully on a small scale. The pole mounted PV system at the Farm is located just east of the barn and produces energy that goes directly to the grid. This system was installed by graduate students at Appalachian State University in the spring of 2012.
Name: Blackburn Vonnoy Farm House PV System
Location: 608 Water Tank Road, Fleetwood NC. The system is located on the garage adjacent to the house.
Installation: 2012
Average Yearly Production: 6,600 kWh (anticipated)
Funding Source: REI
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The Story: The Sustainable Development Teaching and Research Farm is a student and faculty-powered operation that offers students an opportunity to immerse themselves into a living lab. The goal of the SD Farm is to become a multi-purpose, integrated farming system that produces healthy food, fiber, and other raw materials that can be cultivated successfully on a small scale. The PV system at the Farm produces energy for the farm house where faculty and students live and work. This system was installed by graduate students at Appalachian State University in the spring of 2012.
Name: Kerr Scott Hall System
Location: 397 Rivers Street Boone NC, on the roof of Katherine Harper/Kerr Scott Hall
Installation: 2007
Average Yearly Production: 2,000 kWh (anticipated)
Funding Source: 58% Appropriate Technology Department/42% REI
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The Story: Two graduate students in Appalachian State’s Technology program installed this grid-tie system in 2007. Along with the building’s vegetative roof, the photovoltaic array provides students with research and coursework opportunities.
Name: State Farm Solar Research Facility System
Location: 361 Dale Street, Boone NC. Below the Physical Plant, adjacent to the State Farm Parking Lot.
Installation: 2011
Average Yearly Production: N/A
Funding Source: 75% REI/25% Appropriate Technology Department
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The Story: This research facility offers multiple opportunities to students and staff at Appalachian state to conduct research in photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies. There are a number of photovoltaic and solar thermal systems located here for the sake of research.
Name: Library Traffic Circle Photovoltaic Array
Location: ASU Library Traffic Circle, intersection of Howard and College Streets, Boone NC
Installation: 2012
Average Yearly Production: 11,000 kWh (anticipated)
Funding Source: REI
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The Story: This PV array uses 27 solar panels to produce more than enough electricity to power an average United States household
Name: Beaver Photovoltaic Array
Location: 1179 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC 28607
Installation: 2018
Average Yearly Production: 71,983 kWh (anticipated)
Funding Source: REI
The Story: This is the largest and newest PV system on campus. It is comprised of 214 panels, and has 57.8kW of capacity.
Name: Frank Hall Array
Location: Stadium Lot, Boone, NC 28607
Installation: 2018
Average Yearly Production: 48,272 kWh (anticipated)
Funding Source: REI
The Story: Frank Hall is the only instance on campus of a transition from solar thermal technology to photovoltaic technology. It is comprised of 108 panels and has 36.2kW of capacity.
