The solar batteries and panel at the Mary E. Fritsch Nature Center were installed in 1981. Thirty-three years later, we got new batteries! The solar panel is still working just fine! With new batteries and new bulbs, we are designing field experiences for high school physics and environmental science classes and incorporating the technology into elementary and middle school field trips. Next fall physics students will be able to measure and calculate watts, voltage, amperes and compare different loads and filters. Environmental Science students will compare the sustainability of solar energy with other energy capturing/producing technology.
In addition to the new batteries, we also installed long-lasting, bright LEDs in the nature center. Not all of the new bulbs are super-efficient, though. We did put in a fluorescent and an incandescent bulb - to demonstrate the difference in energy use between the three types of technologies. The incandescent is for demonstration use only, though. We can look at the meter to see the how much energy it utilizes - a lot - compared to the fluorescent and LEDs.
ASPI extends a great big Thank You to MACED and Josh Bills who assisted with obtaining and installing the batteries!
In addition to the new batteries, we also installed long-lasting, bright LEDs in the nature center. Not all of the new bulbs are super-efficient, though. We did put in a fluorescent and an incandescent bulb - to demonstrate the difference in energy use between the three types of technologies. The incandescent is for demonstration use only, though. We can look at the meter to see the how much energy it utilizes - a lot - compared to the fluorescent and LEDs.
ASPI extends a great big Thank You to MACED and Josh Bills who assisted with obtaining and installing the batteries!
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