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KCPA Rooftop Solar Feasibility Study (Completed)

Project History

  • 2/16/2015

    The University has been examining the benefits and possibilities of installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on one or more of the roofs at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA) and the use of photovoltaic glass units (PVGU) in the Gr

  • 2/16/2015

    The existing structure was assessed based on the original 1966 drawings prepared by Lev Zetlin and Associates (see Appendix A). The current roof structure consists of a 6 in.

Description

This feasibility study considered the potential placement of a Photovoltaic array on the roof of Krannert Center for the Performing Arts (KCPA). The Study was conducted in two phases. A construction budget of five hundred eighty-five thousand dollars ($585,000), excluding contingencies, was proposed by the Student Sustainability Committee.

Based on shadow studies, it was determined that placement of a photovoltaic array on the roof of the Great Hall would maximize the potential power gain, as compared to other locations at KCPA. However, structural analyses have shown that the roof structure would require strengthening prior to the application of any new load. Additionally, based on its age, it is recommended that the roofing be replaced prior to the installation of a photovoltaic array. Access to the roof is cumbersome, and is also in need of improvement. The opinion of probable construction cost for this associated work exceeds the five hundred eighty-five thousand dollar ($585,000) construction budget. Without considering these associated projects in the payback analysis, the complexities of constructing a PV array on the roof structure diminish the economical effectiveness of a roof mounted PV array as compared to a ground-mounted system, assuming the readyavailability of real estate.

Based on these findings, it was the recommendation of Hanson Professional Services Inc. (Hanson) that a photovoltaic array not be placed on the roof of the Great Hall at KCPA.

 

Project Team

  • Team Members:

    • Brett Stillwell
    • Rebecca McBride

Themes

Project Location(s)

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