Georgian College

UPC Degree and Gradute Studies Program Guide

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Solar panels research tackles real-world conditions As solar power becomes more common in Ontario, industry needs to know how efficiently solar panels operate. With panels being made by a cross-section of manufacturers and installations on a variety of surfaces and in the challenging Ontario climate, it's important to know what conditions work best. Georgian student Deborah Jolie spent one of her co-op terms conducting research studies on rooftop-mounted solar panels. The work was done through CARI on behalf of utility company PowerStream. Her research looked at such issues as the summertime heat generated underneath the panels, and also at the effect of real-world environmental conditions, including snow, leaves and pollen collecting on the panel surface. Jolie is busy completing her environmental and civil engineering studies in Georgian College's School of Technology. She likes the fact that her research has been challenging and offers practical applications for PowerStream. She also hopes that the experience will give her an edge when she enters the workforce looking for a career in the civil engineering field, with the added benefit of a strong environmental background. 5

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