Mini Project 3: Energy Independence

A site containing a collection of buildings that could be subject to a new energy source is Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) in Palos Hills, Illinois. The community college campus is relatively small, consisting of only three-hundred-and-seven acres with fourteen buildings all placed within one centralized area [1]. A map of the campus is highlighted in Figure 1. Being a college campus, the facility could use some upgrades for improved power occupational purposes, giving a wholesome reason for energy analysis. Students and faculty members alike rely on this power for a variety of educational and occupational purposes. Inside the campus, individuals need energy to power laptops and projectors to provide adequate learning experiences and light up classrooms on long days of studying or working. Aside from the moral interest, personal interest was also included in this decision. Moraine Valley was selected as the site to analyze because of the immense opportunity seen in the campus’s open space surrounding the hub of buildings as well as the project group’s deep familiarity with the site.

With the location picked out, multiple energy sources were considered and analyzed. After researching, it was found that solar energy would be the most applicable, and practical for that matter, to be used at MVCC. Solar panels could be implemented by installing them on the rooftop of each building, taking up minimal ground space, and giving ample room for facilities and outdoor cosmetics. The addition of solar power could greatly aid in energy production for Moraine Valley, bringing down operation expenses, and possible tuition prices, in the long run.