SunWize Systems rooftop installation produces energy, educates public

SunWize Systems has completed the installation of a roof-mounted solar project at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis, Oregon with the help of a $491,000 U.S. Department of Energy American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. The 70.37 kW solar electric system is more than just another solar installation--it is a way to educate the public about renewable energy.

The roof-mounted 70.37 kW solar electric system installation at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Corvallis, Oregon. Credit: SunWize Systems.

The exhibit at the fairgrounds is a 25' x 30' educational facility that will store all the system's electrical equipment behind glass windows to showcase the equipment used and educate the public about the solar system energy output.  A computer with two touch screens will make the project interactive, and the building will feature a "History of Energy" mural, which will depict the evolution of energy from coal to solar. 

"Other features will include a meter that students can interact with to understand how much energy different household appliances use in day-to-day operation," Matt Ziskin, Senior Director of Marketing for SunWize Technologies, said in an interview with FierceEnergy.

The local utility, Consumers Power, is providing some materials for the facility and may also use the center for meetings.

"Our hope is that this approach will continue to gain momentum so that all users of electricity understand where it comes from, how it is generated, and how they can be more active in conserving electricity," Ziskin said.

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