Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Solar Panel Array Saves Money, Provides Hands-On Engineering Experience, Mark D. Weinstein

News Releases

Ten percent of all annual energy used by Cedarville University — the energy that powers the foaming machines at its coffee shop, charges students’ laptops in the residence halls and allows worship music to play through the speakers at chapel — comes from Cedarville’s solar array located just southwest of campus. This eco-friendly array saves money, encourages engineering research and fosters community between the university and the Village of Cedarville.

Solar Panels Make Financial, Environmental Impact, Mark D. Weinstein

News Releases

Cedarville University’s solar power array, the largest to be directly connected to any university in Ohio, has made a significant environmental and financial impact through its first three years of operation.

The system has been very useful in in reducing the University’s carbon footprint, while also providing a significant financial benefit.

Solar Panels Strengthen Academics, Mark D. Weinstein

News Releases

When Cedarville University began developing its solar array field—the largest connected to any university in Ohio—back in April 2013, the primary purpose was to create new streams of energy on campus. But for Cedarville’s engineering students, the benefits since the installation have become more than just financial.

Tom Thompson, Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering, started using the solar fields last year to help teach his Topics in Mechanical Engineering class. He focused on analyzing practical applications for solar energy. He also used the field to prompt discussions about the growth of photovoltaic power and the feasibility of using solar …