A move toward renewable energy at Northwest State Community College is aimed at saving money in the long-run for the campus in Henry County. The scope of the project will encompass a solar array system, HVAC upgrades, LED lighting improvements, and installing building automation components. The 3.3 million dollar project is an agreement with Veregy; and its estimated to save Northwest State Community College over $239,000 in the first year alone. And this investment is expected to produce similar savings for years to come. There are also anticipated savings in operation and maintenances costs with this move that could reach $37,400 annually.
The solar array, featuring over 2,500 solar panels would be located on the northwest corner of the paved area of the campus. It would also serve as a tool for STEM students to engage in hands-on curriculum related to renewable energy sources. The LED portion of the investment would lead to changing over more than 2,700 light fixtures, and that took place earlier in March. A utility dashboard that monitors energy consumption, noticed a sizeable reduction in electricity used after that took place. An outdated chiller, air-handling unit, and boiler would all be replaced in this move.