Students lead campus sustainability project
Wrenford Polytechnic is installing a new solar array on the Mercer Street Campus, a project designed and built by students in the Renewable Energy Systems graduate certificate program. The installation marks one of the largest hands-on energy projects undertaken by the School of Energy & Applied Engineering.
The array is located on the roof of the Mill Building at 240 Mercer Street. Students worked alongside industry mentors to plan the system, select the panels, and manage the installation. The project gives students practical experience in designing and maintaining renewable energy systems.
"This project lets our students apply what they learn in class to a real system that powers part of our downtown campus," said Ingrid Solberg, chair of the Power & Process Engineering department. "They get to see how engineering decisions affect performance and cost."
The solar array will generate clean electricity for the Mill Building, reducing the campus's reliance on the grid. The system is expected to offset a significant portion of the building's energy use each year.
Students in the program also monitor the array's output. They track energy production, analyse performance data, and recommend ways to improve efficiency. These skills are in high demand across the province's growing clean energy sector.
Co-op & Career Services works with students to connect their project experience to employment opportunities. Many local employers hire graduates who have worked on installed renewable systems.
The installation was completed ahead of the fall term, so students can begin using the system for their studies immediately. The project is part of Wrenford Polytechnic's ongoing effort to reduce energy waste and support sustainable operations.
For more information about the Renewable Energy Systems program, visit the program page.