The State College Borough owns a large area of land adjacent to its composting operation, other commercial operations and just south of I-99. It is assumed that this area will not be developed for residential purposes and therefore may provide an ideal site for ground mount solar. This project should include a detailed analysis if the site, maximum capacity for solar and how it may supplement energy use by the borough. This consideration may have to include recommendations for co-locating certain municipal operations on the site as it is believed that the site is beyond the distance usually allotted for solar to offset energy use. The project should therefore highlight limitations and opportunities of solar at this site.
State College would also like to explore how to best utilize small lots for solar. The first lot is a circular, slightly raised site at Waupelani Dr and Aiken Place. The site is maintained by the Borough and surrounded by small single family homes. The appearance of solar at this site will be of utmost concern to adjacent residents and students should consider how to best mitigate the visual appearance of solar. The second lot is off University Drive adjacent to a fast-food establishment and the waste water treatment plan. Both sites are confronted with the overall question of cost versus utility. These explorations are critical as small size lots maybe frequent opportunities if solar is feasible.
Sustainable Communities Collaborative Contact Info
University Faculty Contact
Nelson Y. Dzade
Assistant Professor of Energy and Mineral Engineering
nxd5313@psu.edu
(814) 867-4227