Sustainability is possible for an urban high-rise: Florida atlantic university solar roof case study

Abstract

Generating electricity from sunlight is not a new idea; it dates back over a hundred years. But here in the 21st century, rising fossil fuel costs and growing concerns over climate change have prompted fresh interest and investment in the renewable energy sector. Solar technology production has grown exponentially in the last decade, making it the world's fastest growing energy technology. Efforts by renewable energy companies, public utilities, and governments have revived this science discovered over a century ago. Solar technology research is producing more efficient, reliable, and consistent products, while government aid allows for financing, incentives, and rebates creating an unprecedented return and value for renewable investments. The FAU installation exemplifies the possible financial return on monthly bills, provides value added benefits of the system to the facility, promotes environment conscientiousness, and utilizes the project as a teaching tool for the students. In the summer of2007, two graduate students working on their final research project at the School of Urban and Regional Planning at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) developed a detailedproposal for a solar photovoltaic installation. The project, planned to be installed on one of the university buildings located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was an attempt to reduce the carbon footprint of the campus. Shortly thereafter, funding was secured from multiple resources including a private donation, existing school funds, a donation from local utility Florida Power & Light, and the Florida state solar rebate program. Advanced Green Technologies (AGT), a renewable energy solutions provider headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, and its installation contractor, Advanced Roofing, were contacted to provide the solar photovoltaic system and installation of the job. Installed the following summer on FAU's Higher Education Complex Building, the solar energy project is the second for the university and stands out as a model for employing sustainable, renewable solar energy in downtown Fort Lauderdale and throughout the Sunshine State.