Students take on energetic role with the school’s new solar array

Three Hamilton County schools benefit from new ground-mounted solar PV systems

Three schools for Hamilton Heights School Corporation have new solar array systems designed by R.E. Dimond and Associates.

Hamilton Heights High School now includes a 680 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system. Hamilton Heights Middle School has a 520 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system, and Hamilton Heights Elementary School features a 400 kW AC, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system.

“We reviewed the electrical bills from the last three years so we could size the solar array to meet most of the needs at usage because we don’t want to produce more than the school needs. …and as utility rates keep going up, the payback could increase annually.”

— Aaron Schipp, electrical engineer, R.E. Dimond and Associates

$270,000 saved in electrical costs and priceless learning opportunities

In addition to saving the district over $270,000 a year in electrical costs by reducing their electrical usage by 70%, all three Hamilton Heights Schools are excited to use the solar arrays in their science and math curricula. The program will help teachers educate students about the latest innovations in renewable energy and the importance of sustainability.

At the elementary level, teachers introduce students to the sun’s intense energy in our solar system and how people have harnessed the sun’s power. At the intermediate level, teachers are guiding students through ways electricity, energy storage, and wattage works. High school teachers show students how electrons and protons work, how photovoltaic cells interact with energy and its efficiency, and more.

In science, engineering, and math courses at all levels, students get real-world experience measuring energy, understanding its uses, the engineering behind the solar array, and practical benefits for sustainable engineering and building design.

Watch a presentation about the real power and benefits behind their new solar PV system

Aaron Schipp, the electrical engineer for the project, gave a presentation in late 2022 on the benefits of a solar photovoltaic system for AIA Indiana and its history.

“Solar panels don’t have moving parts. Cleaning comes from the weather, and while we do need to keep looking at the panels and monitor them, and they do take up a lot of space, solar panels should last over 25 years…once you’ve paid back the initial cost [over 12 years], you’ll save a lot of money.”

— Aaron Schipp, electrican engineer, R.E. Dimond and Associates

Watch the whole presentation to learn more about the history of solar, the fundamentals of solar systems, and the cost/payback options.

Bartholomew County School Corporation chose R.E. Dimond and Associates to design solar systems for two of their schools: The Northside Middle School which features a 300 kW, 1008 module roof-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system, and the Taylorsville Elementary School which features a 200 kW, 672 module roof-mounted solar photovoltaic PV system.

Over a one-year period, the Northside Middle School PV system generated 454 MWh which offset energy costs by $45,400, and the Taylorsville Elementary School PV system generated 249 MWh which offset energy costs by $24,900. The schools incorporated the solar monitoring system in a school-wide program that compliments their STEM education curriculum.

Size 156,000 SF  New Construction

Construction Completion  2021

Building Project Summary

Design
The Tri-North Middle School design utilizes next-generation learning elements including an open media center, collaboration spaces, and small group rooms throughout the building. Teachers and administrators had expressed the need for spaces to be flexible and adaptable to a rapidly changing educational world.

Challenge
The Middle School is a new school being constructed on the same site as the existing school building, which was completely functional throughout construction. A focus on energy efficiency required extensive building modeling to review all HVAC system options.

Solution
R.E. Dimond and Associates’ mechanical team designed a  closed-loop geothermal system with terminal heat pumps and energy recovery ventilators to meet energy efficiency goals.  The electrical department designed roof-mounted solar arrays and utilized LED lighting for the socially responsible school district.