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| Vol. 20, No. 18 |
| October 1, 1998 |
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UT-Houston Harvests Solar Energy The University of Texas-Houston Health Science Center has implemented a renewable energy project utilizing proven, efficient solar photovoltaic arrays. The arrays, installed on the sixth floor roof of the University Center Tower (UCT), will provide a minimum of 20 kW of solar power to the building, eliminating 65,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The president of the United States Million Dollar Roof Initiative recognizes The University of Texas-Houston as a partner in a national effort to employ renewable resources.
Texas possesses more renewable energy resources than any other state in the nation. Bright sunshine, strong winds, and abundant plant life can be harnessed to provide a renewable supply of solar, wind and biomass energy. Solar energy, clean and limitless, can meet energy demands without contributing to global warming and air pollution. "We are proud to say that we're the first state agency to reach this stage," said Mani Palani, campus energy manager and project director, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 16 to launch the solar demonstration project. The project represents a first step toward the future. The funding for this project was approximately $250,000, funds saved from ongoing energy conservation efforts. External funding came from two sources: the Utility Photovoltaic Group Match-Up grant of approximately $45,000 as part of the Clean Power Alliance, coordinated by Planergy Inc. of Austin, and $30,000 from the State Energy Conservation Office to educate Texans on renewable energy. The solar photovoltaic energy project initiated by Brian Yeoman, assistant vice president of Support Services at UT-Houston, has led to a partnership between Support Services, PI Construction, Planergy Inc., the State Energy Conservation Office, Utility Photovoltaic Group, Ascension Technologies, and Houston Lighting and Power. "Just wait until you see what we're going to do with the School of Nursing," said Dr. M. David Low, president of the UT-Houston Health Science Center. UT-H plans to build a larger photovoltaic plant to power a new nursing and biomedical sciences building scheduled for construction in the near future. - GAY ELLIOTT McFARLAND, KRISTINA VAN ARSDEL
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