Located in an urban environment where space is at a premium, the team aims to find ways to optimize underutilized space and rooftops are no exception. Given their urban environment and the lack of studies focused on the synergy between green roofs and PV arrays this seemed the perfect project for the team. This study aims to evaluate data collected from four model houses, one housing a control roof, another with a green roof, a standard fixed photovoltaic system, and a GRIPV-c system. The study is ongoing and is looking at temperature, relative humidity, and solar insolation data to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the positive impact of a combined green roof and photovoltaic canopy system on the health of the green roof vegetation, the PV canopy system efficiencies, and the efficiency of roof mounted HVAC air handling units.

The purpose of the study is to show the mutual benefit green roofs and solar panels can provide.  Initial findings indicate that the lowered temperature (from the green roof) increase PV performance. The team is currently running a model to determine what the actual gain in efficiency is.  This research is taking place on the school’s Green Roof at Smith, GRAS.

The team was accepted to speak at WREF 2012 and the presentation will be led by two ninth grade students, some of the youngest ever to present at this conference. In fact, this will be the very first flight for one of these young presenters.

We look forward to seeing them present their talk, Green-Roof Integrated PV Canopies – An Empirical Study and Teaching Tool for Low Income Students in the South Bronx on Wednesday May 16th at 1:15pm in Mile High Ballroom 1C.

We suspect this is just the beginning of these what these young minds will accomplish. We can’t wait to see what else they contribute to this field in the future.

Young ISES Workshop

Don’t miss the Young ISES Forum, Sunday 13 May, 4-5pm at the Colorado Convention Center, Room 401

Come link up with young renewable energy professionals from all over the world at this special meet-up before the Welcome Reception.

 “How to Get Published in a Research Journal: An introduction for young scientists and researchers” – Wednesday 16 May, 12-1pm (Ballroom 1A)

Get advice from the Executive Publisher at Elsevier and the Editor-in-Chief of Solar Energy Journal.

Informal social event – Wednesday evening, 15 May
Check for details at WREF!

Questions?  Contact Corry de Keizer, Young ISES representative, ISES Board of Directors     youngises@ises.org

Register today at WREF 2012!

2011 student entry from the Odyssey Academy - photo courtesy of Doug Shoemaker

St. Paul, Minnesota is the place to be on May 19, 2012 to witness teams made up of adults as well as Junior and Senior high school students in the annual Minnesota Renewable Energy Society Solar Boat Regatta. Held at the Beach House at Lake Phalen in St. Paul, this annual event gives kids and others the opportunity to get creative in a fun and educational way.

Imagine designing and building a solar-powered boat then putting it through it’s paces in speed, slalom and endurance races. This year’s regatta has three classes: student, adult and experimental/exhibition, that will compete in races as well as website design and creative design categories.

Participating teams demonstrate knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math while learning about solar electricity, wiring, motors, fluid dynamics and boat design and construction.

Check out this fun event and volunteer if you’re in the area and have some time to devote to a great cause!

Volunteer at the World Renewable Energy Forum. Click here for more information.

Get involved and make a difference

The nonprofit American Solar Energy Society needs your help to create a sustainable energy economy. During this time of rising energy prices and increasing risk from climate change, you can make a difference by getting involved and volunteering a little bit of your time. Thank you!