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.
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