Features Energy & Power Renewables
Edmonton’s Hillview School gets NAIT solar PV treatment

January 29, 2016 – Students and staff of Northern Alberta Institute of Technology have designed and installed a solar photovoltaic array on the roof of Hillview School to help children learn about alternative energy production (and get some power for the school, to boot).

The project is a collaborative effort between NAIT’s Alternative Energy Technology program, Hillview School, Edmonton Public Schools and the City of Edmonton. It was funded through a $26,000 EcoCity Edmonton community sustainability grant, and piloted in 2014 as the Neighbourhood Action Program. The funding covered the cost of the equipment and curriculum design.

The 12-module, 3kW array, is capable of producing 4MWh a year, says NAIT. Real-time data from the array—including up-to-the-minute information on how much energy is being produced—is available to students and the general public.

“This applied research project provided our students with a valuable opportunity to gain real-world experience while making a meaningful contribution to the community,” said Dr. Jim Sandercock, chair, NAIT Alternative Energy Technology program. “Under the supervision of NAIT staff, they took this from a concept to reality.”

PHOTO: Tim Matthews, NAIT Alternative Energy Technology program. Photo courtesy NAIT.