Abstract
Climate studies have shown an imminent and disastrous change in global temperature directly related to the extraction and electricity generation from fossil fuels. The University of North Carolina Asheville campus energy profile is split 53% electrical and 47% natural gas. This study explores the possibility of a solar based solution for electrical energy generation. Using a software aided process, a feasibility study was produced to evaluate power output and specific designs for self contained production and distribution of solar energy. A whole-campus approach was taken, including designs for rooftop mounted and parking lot canopy sites in order to find a clean method of powering the University’s operations. Solar designs were modeled for a total of 18 buildings and 7 parking lots. From these simulated solar capture designs, it is estimated that roughly 8,039,794 kWh of energy could be produced yearly, accounting for 42.16% of the total campus electrical consumption. This research examines options for integration into the existing electrical grid with a self contained solar based microgrid, all in the pursuit of remaining consistent with commitments set by the University, regional, and global communities to minimize environmental impact.
How to Cite
vanSliedrecht, L. & McVay, C., (2022) “A Feasibility Study of Solar Energy Production and a Microgrid on the University of North Carolina Asheville Campus”, Capstone, The UNC Asheville Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship 35(1).
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