MAGE Solar USA, provider of PV and ACPV modules, recently announced that the University of Kentucky added a 50 kW PV system to the Christian County Extension Office in Hopkinsville. The system was designed and installed by Sunway Energy Solutions of Murray, Ky.
The 200 MAGE Solar panels recently installed by Sunway Energy Solutions are supported by 100 dc optimizers and fastened onto five 10 kW ground mounts. The system’s real-time performance can be monitored through a front office kiosk and serves as a hands-on learning opportunity for the office’s local clientele.
“Quality and long-term reliability are paramount to a PV system, especially in a setting where education, cost-effectiveness, and innovation meet,” says Don Hammond, a senior executive with MAGE Solar.
The system generates a considerable income for the Extension Office since 100% of the kWh produced is sold directly to the Tennessee Valley Authority under the Green Power Provider program, along with a $0.04 premium over going rate for the first 10 years. The systems generated income will offset about 25% of the office’s energy needs with solar, thereby reducing its operational costs.
200 MAGE Solar PV panels are mounted onto 5 ground mounts at the University of Kentucky Extension Office in Hopkinsville. Sunway Energy Solutions designed and installed the clean energy project (photo courtesy of Sunway Energy Solutions).
“This solar array is just one more way that the local extension office plans to increase programming and outreach to the local community,” says Todd Powell, co-owner and CEM of Sunway Energy Solutions. “This system will allow the clients to come and see a system up close to get all of their questions answered. This is another example of the commitment of the Christian County Extension Office to bring cutting edge technology into their programming for the local clientele.”
MAGE Solar guarantees 30-year power output on its product, allowing the Extension Office to enjoy the budgetary and environmental benefits of solar for an extended term.
The Extension Office, which is part of the off-campus information network of the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University, focuses on offering non-formal educational programs on agriculture and natural resources, horticulture, as well as family and consumer sciences for area residents and farmers. Since many classes incorporate sensible issues like environmental stewardship and sustainability, it was a logical step for the leadership at the Christian County Office to implement a PV system that would provide the opportunity to experience the benefits of clean energy first hand.
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