2010 Solar Tour
Photo Journal
Jeff Anderson – Reagan High School, MPS
Types of Solar Power Generation
within Milwaukee
• I am aware of the Urban
Ecology Center and
their dedication to
achieving a zero carbon
footprint in part through
their rooftop solar array.
• Yet, as a high school
instructor in
Milwaukee, I’m also
aware that the only
daily connection with
solar energy for my
students may be…
Need for the 2010 Solar Tour
• This fall I was allowed to witness the extent of
solar energy (and related energy) projects that
were developing in Milwaukee.
• Just like the students – as an active participant I
learned so much more.
• Additionally, as I constructed this photo journal,
the thought of “why aren’t we doing more
(including myself)” kept echoing in my mind.
Southside of Milwaukee – Bay
View Area
• A typical Southside
bungalow
• Front of house faces
west.
• Landscaped yard
Solar collectors to the South
Dormer
Solar Panel
• Dormer blocks
sunlight but system
still functions well.
• Window extension is
not effected by snow
sliding off in the
winter – shielded by
roof line.
House silhouette
Panel thickness
• Solar installations
appear to often be in
connection with green
mindsets.
– Natural landscaping.
– Reducing water runoff.
– Gardening.
• But this is not a
requirement.
Increase solar capacity with a
garage array of solar panels.
Need to disconnect from the grid
during troubleshooting.
Additional mindset changes
Automatic water timer
• Use of off peak hour
energy with we
energies monitoring.
• Automatic set back
thermostats
• Maintaining records to
see the reduced
energy costs.
St. Lukes Area
Existing Dormer
• Rooftop solar
array with a
higher starting
point on the roof
(above gutter)
that compensates
for original dormer
position.
Lightening Discharge Units
Geothermal Heat Pump
On Demand Water Heater
Geothermal Well Landscaping
Well two
Business Use of Solar
Solar water heating panels
Bakery
East side of bakery showing
new community landscaping
project
Solar panels for heating
bakery water. Needs
supplied for three seasons
and supplemented in the
winter.
Retrofitting of 100 year old
building was not a limiting
problem
Use of skylight to remove excess
heat.
Panels
Skylight
Second Speculation Home
Energy efficient windows
Window shading
Solar panels
Spiral Stairs serve as heat tube
Automatic controls
with setbacks
Efficient curtains
Heat can be
forced down with
fan assist
Heat rises with fan
assist
• Fans bring down heat
in the winter, forces
heat up and out in the
summer.
• Energy efficient lights.
Energy Efficient Windows
Additional Features
•
•
•
•
•
•
Floor Radiant Heating
Right Sizing of Home for Needs
SIP – Structural Insulated Panels
Concrete Countertops and Floors
Fiber Cement Panels
Energy Star Appliances
Additional Features
• Pervious pavement
• LEED Platinum Rating – Leadership in
Energy Efficient Design
• ERV – Energy Recovery Ventilator
• Urban location
• Steel Roofing
• NO/LOW VOC (volatile organic
compounds) paints and finishes
Solar panels
Eastside near UWM
Solar panels
West
Back of
house
Low profile, inlet and outlet pipes
Church Rooftop Solar Array
Bracing used for the panels
Historical Considerations
Electrical Upgrades
Use of this lesson plan in class:
• I am in a situation where I am a mentor
teacher for four instructors (both math and
science) at Ronald Reagan HS – within
the MPS school system.
• My intention is to:
– In-service the instructors as to my solar tour
– Make the solar tour available for the
instructors
– Get actual bills from one of these installations
to allow a comparison basis for the students
of the instructors.
Use of this lesson plan in class:
• I will encourage the instructors and assist them
with:
– Having students figure out the cost savings after
installation costs for one or more green upgrades
presented in this power point.
– Studying graphs of current energy production, energy
use (daily), proposed future use, proposed changes in
the grid (recent National Geographic Article), and
current green incentives.
– Solar materials lab (absorption of heat), insulation lab,
window placement lab, or something of the instructors
choosing.