Issue
Though it is often difficult for these schools and non-profit organizations to raise funds for capital construction costs, the greater issue for most of these groups is the cost to operate and maintain any capital improvement (a new soccer field, basketball court, or athletic lights) for years to come. In many cases, a philanthropic gift in the current year can burden these organizations with years of facilities and maintenance costs, essentially taking away crucial annual operating funds from their programming budgets.
How might we provide additional access to sports throughout the city without burdening these organizations, or the City, with long term operational costs?
Project
The parking lot offers the necessarily large surface area for the PV arrays, with the added benefit of shading cars and pavement below. In addition, PV canopies are proposed for the existing Rock Island Railroad Bridge, now a pedestrian bridge, requiring minimal additional structural support.
Together, the proposals present innovative and expressive ways to provide an otherwise utilitarian power requirement, as befitting this high-profile site – and hopefully inspiring owners and designers of other new and existing buildings to think beyond the roof for PV installations.
The project team is currently pursuing funding to continue research, development, and prototyping for the Smart Grid Athletic Light.
