Solar
U South Florida St. Petersburg Launches Solar Battery Research Initiative
The University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) has launched a new research
initiative aimed at exploring better ways to store energy from the sun.
Funded by a $1 million grant from Duke
Energy Florida, the solar battery project is already underway with the installation of a 100-kilowatt photovoltaic system at a campus
parking garage designed to work with two smaller existing systems at the school.
"Solar energy that is not used by the garage for lights, elevators and electric-vehicle charging stations is stored in battery systems or
put onto the electric grid for immediate use," according to a news release. "High-resolution data is being collected on the PV installation and
on the energy storage system which is displayed on an online dashboard and several kiosks on campus."
"This is an opportunity to manage energy costs, while promoting sustainability on campus," said USFSP Regional Chancellor Sophia Wisniewska,
in a prepared statement. "We are pleased and proud to have been awarded this grant, and to provide faculty and students with a chance to help
build something of lasting impact. USFSP has long enjoyed a strong partnership with Duke Energy and we look forward to future collaborations."
About the Author
Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at jbolkan@gmail.com.
