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WisconSUN Case Study:
Saint Mary's Central High School
Environmental Energy Education Center

• Installed: October 2000
• Renewable energy systems:
  • 0.5 kW PV awning (photo above)
  • 1 kW PV roof mounted
  • 48 ft² solar air heating system
  • 64 ft² solar water heating system
  • 0.9 kW wind turbine
• PV awning installed by: Lake Michigan Wind and Sun and Suburban Electric
• Location: St. Mary Central High School Environmental Energy Education Center,
  Neenah, Wisconsin

For solar energy education there is no place in Wisconsin like the Environmental Energy Education Center. Not only does the 1232 ft² building include four solar energy systems and a wind turbine, but it also houses a weather station, an electric dune buggy, an electric racing vehicle, and many energy system demonstrations (photo right). The renewable energy systems support the classroom, a field house storage area, and an adjacent concession stand for athletic events.

The photovoltaic (PV) awning is the first of its kind in Wisconsin (photo top). The simple design allows PV systems to be attached to existing buildings in a useful way. Here it offers pedestrians some protection from the elements. It could also be positioned over a window as a sunshade to reduce summer heat gain and glare. Using PV modules as an awning allows them to be inclined at the optimal angle to maximize energy production.

Teachers and their classes from area schools as well as the public are invited to tour the solar energy systems and exhibits at the Environmental Energy Education Center. For more information contact:
Dr. Margie Weiss at Saint Mary's Central High School
phone number 920.722.7796 ext.555
e-mail mdweiss@smc.k12.wi.us.

Photo credits
John Hippensteel, Lake Michigan Wind and Sun (top photo)
Saint Mary's Central (bottom photo)

copyright © 2001 WisconSUN