Renewable Energy Proposed at SMCC
Chuck Bewilder
Issue date: 2/1/10 Section: News
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by Chuck Bewilder
A full classroom of students and faculty attended a visual presentation on the potential of Photovoltaics on Thursday, January 27th. Phil Coupe, co-owner of ReVision Energy spoke to the audience addressing the basics of solar energy and possibility for SMCC in Room 216 of the Health Science Center. Members of Southern Maine Community College are in the process of developing a more sustainable campus, and Coupe stated that residents of the local community have reservations about the establishment of wind turbines, yet the College is a prime location for integration of alternative energy the like of photovoltaics.
ReVision is a Maine & New Hampshire-based company specializing in alternative-energy-source installation with thirty employees. They have put in solar panel systems in area residences and businesses located in Scarborough, Freeport, and Eliot, among other towns, and in the summer of 2009 fulfilled a 41-kw/hr system for Oakhurst Dairy in Portland.
The company has been active for about a decade, but Coupe stated that the past five years have shown the most promising advancements. In this time, silicon prices have dropped and legislation has been passed worldwide for renewable energy. Coupe noted Germany for their progressive action which compensates individuals for having photovoltaic systems. He also states that "Solar is going gangbusters in [Vermont]."
Southern Maine Community College has applied for grants to install a 60-cell system on the roof of the Computer Technologies building, according to professor Jamie McGhee.
In the current economic situation, there exists hesitation as to the rate of positive progression in the way of "green" resources, but Phil Coupe remains hopeful. The number of silicon plants is growing to facilitate demand, as silicon is the necessary raw-ingredient in the production of solar cells. He stated that Maine is the most oil-dependent state in the country, and 40% of our electricity is generated by oil-burning, an agreed-upon dirty practice. The average 230-watt panel runs around $1,500 and is estimated to return investment cost in about fifteen years. Photovoltaics are strongly recommended as a "clean, infinite fuel supply" and Coupe mentioned that the cells he deals include a 25-year waranty.
The State of Maine is reportedly moving towards a more sustainable future as movement to bring clean energy instruction and certification to its technical colleges. There are hopes that the State will come through this spring. Currently, only Kennebec Valley Community College offers a course in photovoltaic-cell installation, however Southern Maine Community College is looking to establish an introductory three-to-four day course for interested students. This course does not award state certification, and in order to legally install PV cells, electricians are required to attain NABCEP certification.
Coupe said that Maine's energy consumption has dropped by 5% in the past half-decade, and although renewable resources look more accessible every day, the grim truth is that the market has yet to grow to the position of economic golden -nugget. He believes that Maine has the real potential to offer comprehensive education opportunities, and the employment market may eventually mature and become accessible, as in Conneticut or Massachusetts. In the dream of a brighter, cleaner future, Coupe says, "we're energy hogs as a state, but we can get there."
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