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WCSI FAQ
1. What is WCSI?
WCSI stands for “West Campus Solar Initiative” and was created with the help of the University
of Montana Foundation to help raise matching funds for a $30,000 KRELF project proposal to
install a large solar photovoltaic array at West Campus, with our ultimate goal being close to the
legal limit of 50 kW!
2. What are the drivers behind WCSI?
The three main drivers behind this project are: 1) substantial expansion of the renewable energy
systems at the University of Montana by showing both students and the public the necessity of
using economy of scale to accomplish the University’s formidable goals for 2020, 2) the tried
and true statement of leaving this place we call home better than we found it, and 3) realization
of our goals through quick and decisive action.
3. What will my donation do?
•
•
Your donation will provide additional funding needed to build the largest solar
array at the University of Montana.
For all the details about donating and tax information visit the WCSI donation Tab at the
Missoula College Energy Technology website.
4. What is KRELF?
KRELF stands for “Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund,” a student-initiated, student-funded loan
program that supports energy and resource conservation projects on the University of Montana
campus. Each semester since Fall 2009, UMontana students have supported KRELF with an
opt-out sustainability fee. The purpose of KRELF is to finance projects that promote resource
conservation, waste reduction, and environmental projects at UMontana, as well as to capture
financial and energy savings and to foster student involvement in sustainability efforts. For more
details, please visit the KRELF’s website.
5. Why focus on the West campus of the University of Montana?
West Campus has a lot going for it. Some big pluses are: 1) the sheet metal roof allows for an
extremely affordable mounting system, 2) the building has a close to true-south orientation and
ample roof space for solar panels, and 3) there are heavy electrical loads in the building that
would greatly benefit from a local primary energy source.
6. Where is West Campus?
•
•
The address of West Campus is 3639 South Ave W, Missoula, Montana.
Check out its vast rooftop space on Google Earth.
Ryan Carson, Energy Technology `15
March 23, 2015
7. Why choose a Photovoltaic System for a renewable energy system?
A Photovoltaic (PV) system is one of the best choices for a renewable energy system for the
West Campus, it requires minimal maintenance that can be provide by University students, the
PV system has zero greenhouse gas emissions, and the PV system does not make any noise or
sight pollution for surrounding neighborhoods.
8. How does it benefit the University?
The development of the West Campus Solar array will benefit the University at least three ways:
1. It will further the University’s goal of the UM 2020 strategic plan.
2. It will reduce yearly operating cost for West Campus.
3. It will provide a valuable education and training site for students interested in careers in
renewable energy systems.
If you would like know more about “UM 2020” please visit the link at http://www.umt.edu/.
9. In the WCSI resources and Kaimin ad it mentioned Tier-One Goal?
Yes, the tier system developed by the WCSI team is meant to show how much additional funding
it will take to cost-effectively expand the solar array size.
Here is the tier list corresponding to the funding requirement and applicable solar array size.
• Tier-One Goal: raise $15,360 will allow a 16.8 kW solar array
• Tier-Two Goal: raise $38,040 will allow a 25.2 kW solar array
• Tier-Three Goal: raise $60,720 will allow a 33.6kW solar array
• Tier-Four Goal: raise $83,400 will allow a 42.0kW solar array
10. What if we surpass a tier but fall short of the next one?
The WCSI team has a plan of action! If we surpass all of the Tiered Goals we will expand the
solar array to the largest system allowed by state law: 50 kW. If we fall between goals we will
build the solar array of the Tier-Goal we have met and invest excess funds to build infrastructure
for future expansion.
11. Why build a large solar array?
Building anything on a commercial scale allows the use of the principal called “The Economy of
Scale” (Figure 1). This gives the ability to purchase solar components at wholesale pricing and
allows for
competitive bidding
for installation.
Figure 1. WCSI even
at its smallest tier, is
not only larger than
all existing PV
systems at the
University of
Montana combined,
but is less expensive
on a dollar-per-watt
basis.
Ryan Carson, Energy Technology `15
March 23, 2015
12. How much CO2 will WCSI project reduce each year?
Figure 2. For the Todd solar array, one-year averaged kWh totals for 2012-2014 are shown. For
the UM Flat, the kWh information was sourced from the KRLEF application. The Rec Center solar
array information entered into PVWatts, kWh estimate was used in the CO2 calculations. All tier
estimates used the PVWatts calculator with a 22° tilt to provide the annual output in kWhs and
CO2 mitigation.
These saving assume that no additional loads are to be added to UMontana’s electricity
demands, and assumes 0.7 kg/kWh. Please also see US CO2 emissions per electrical energy
quantity by state.
13. What is the solar installed capacity of the University now and what will it be
after WCSI project is completed?
Currently there are three solar array on the University of Montana located on the Todd Building,
UM FLAT and UM fitness and Rec center which give the present installed solar capacity of
6.075 kW (Figure 1). The Tier-One Goal of the 16.8 kW solar array system would increase the
University of Montana’s solar capacity by 276% and that is only the Tier-One Goal. The other
Tier Goals would increase the University of Montana’s solar capacity by 410%, 553%, and 691%.
14. What type of solar panel will be used in the solar array?
The solar panels we intend to use are SolarWorld 280 W monocrystalline solar panels. There are
two main reasons for choosing these panels:
• SolarWorld manufactures top-quality solar panels
• There are made in United States of America
If you want to know more about SolarWorld check out http://www.solarworld-usa.com/
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