University Looks to Install Solar ‘Ivy’
Solar-generated electricity is taking a new form – that of solar panels shaped like artistically fashioned ivy leaves decorating a wall’s surface. The first location in the United States to apply this colorful array is the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. This new product called Solar Ivy was developed by Sustainably Minded Interactive Technology (SMIT), a company in New York.
The idea and most of the cash for the project comes from the university student-led Sustainable Campus Initiative Fund (SCIF), which is funded by student contributions. Each year, students compete for grants to finance projects that have a positive environmental impact and help educate the campus community about developing earth-conscious habits.
Tom Melburn, an environmental studies major, spearheaded the idea. His project was awarded a grant for roughly two-thirds of the $42,000 cost of the project. The remaining third will be raised from the campus community in a drive being announced today to generate funds and awareness of the many “green” efforts taking place all over the campus.
“Students are becoming so engaged in creating a sustainable campus that we could only partially fund all the projects submitted this year,” said Whitney Williams, SCIF coordinator. “So, we’re turning to others in our community to partner on this one. By buying a leaf on the array, donors will make possible not only a novel energy-saving device, but also a highly visible reminder on campus to conserve electricity.”
Solar Ivy is a composition of small photovoltaic panels shaped so that they can be installed in an attractive arrangement, much like ivy growing over a building’s surface. The panels generate electricity the building uses, offsetting the amount of power the building buys from the utility company. Panels can be shaped and colored to suit the installation.
“We’re considering Orson Spencer Hall for the array because of its solar exposure and its visibility,” said Melburn, who is coordinating the project with campus facilities managers. “The south-facing brick façade receives high levels of unobstructed sun all year. Its location at the center of campus means high levels of traffic.” SCIF and Project Manager Archie Phillips also are considering the south façade of the Olpin Student Union building, which also receives significant solar exposure. The decision as to which building to use will be decided during the design phase of the project over the coming weeks.
The installation of the prefabricated panels is expected to begin late this fall and projected to take a few weeks to complete.