Installing Solar Panels on Overlake's Library
Students will design a PV system that will fit on the lower roof of the library. They will decide the layout of the solar panels, determine what component parts are needed and place the order. They will estimate how much electricity will be produced, determine the cost of the system and calculate the ROI (return on investment). They will also determine what percentage of Overlake’s total electrical use will be met by this new PV system. They will calculate Overlake’s current carbon footprint and determine how much the PV system will decrease our carbon footprint. They will also install the solar panels on the library’s roof.
Students will take all necessary safety precautions. They will be roped up whenever they are on the roof, wearing a climbing harness and chest harness, and use prussiks to self-belay. Gloves, safety glasses, and closed-toed shoes will be worn. We will need to check to see if our insurance will allow students to install solar panels on a roof. A system of this size would cost Overlake around $80,000 for a PV installer to design and install. We will be able to do for around $40,000, which will need to approved by Matt and Warren. I will have a licensed electrician connect the PV system and inverter to the electrical panel in the library.
Project Week (2024-25)
Mar 24, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
Contact
Zeya Kyaw
Assistant Director of Experiential Education
zkyaw@overlake.org