sustainability

New Knoy rooftop solar array generates more power, learning opportunities and research

A state-of-the-art solar array used primarily for learning and research has been installed on Knoy Hall’s rooftop. The new 28-panel array replaces a 24-panel system installed 17 years ago. The new solar photovoltaic array, comprised of panels each roughly the same physical size as those previously installed, will generate nearly three times more electricity than the old array despite expanding by only four panels.

Construction class builds tiny home to help community

“Every semester I start by challenging the students and asking them how they want to change the world. This year we made a tiny home,” said Kirk Alter, associate professor of construction management at Purdue University.

The tiny home project will address the issue of housing for the homeless, battered women and people re-entering society from prison.

“One of the things that the students have learned,” Alter said, “is that we don’t need heroes, we need partners — partners in our communities.”

Knoy Hall first on campus to use solar power

Knoy Hall of Technology is now generating a portion of its own electricity via solar photovoltaic arrays on its roof. It is the first building on Purdue’s academic campus to have this capability.

"We have grid-tied the solar panels to Knoy Hall which allows the building to use the generated electricity," said Terance Harper, a graduate student in mechanical engineering technology. "If there is an excess, it will be pushed to Purdue’s electrical grid."

Greening Technology

Through a new initiative dubbed Project [Re]Green, College of Technology students are working to make sustainability an everyday reality within the college.

Holly Chan, a graduate student in the Department of Technology Leadership & Innovation, is working with the college administration to research sustainability and how to incorporate its ideals into the college’s culture.

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