Project Data

End-User:  NJIT

Installer: LB Electric and IBEW

Location: Newark, NJ

Date of install: June 2004 – Aug. 2004

Size of system in kW: 50kW

Energy produced since installation: +500MWh

Special Challenges Met: Dual Axis Trackers mounted on roof-

Project Brief

New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) is a college campus facility located in Newark New Jersey. NJIT approached TurtleEnergy to design and supply a Photovoltaic System for the new student center building designed by the famous Architect Charles Gwathmey.

This publicly bid Solar Energy project was won by the electrical contractor LB Electric, a minority business enterprise. TurtleEnergy submitted a design to the electrical engineer of record for approval as equal or better to the previously specified system. LB Electric bid and won the installation contract after TurtleEnergy’s design was approved by the Electrical Engineer. LB Electric’s bid was successful in displacing a previously specified system. The bid by LB Electric was significantly lower than the proposed bid by the competitor.

TurtleEnergy undertook a detailed analysis of the site. This analysis was comprised of the following steps and implementation.

-Shading Analysis

-Optimal System Design and Concept Planning

-Industrial Design of the Components of the System

-Multi-Disciplinary Coordination with Architects, Structural Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Construction Managers

-Implementation of the owner’s goal for a high visible photovoltaic system

-Instrumentation design for energy performance monitoring

LB Electric used electricians from the IBEW (Local 164) and laborers from the ironworkers union. LB Electric and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers completed the project in 3 months (June 2004 – August 2004). (Figure 9) The size of the installed PV system for NJIT is 50kw. TurtleEnergy provided oversight to ensure implementation of the project shop drawings. The complete project team consisted of the following:

Turner Construction (General Contractor)

Gwathmey Siegel & Associates llc (Architect)

Harris Hamnett, PC (Structural Engineer)

A&J Consulting (Electrical Engineer)

LB Electric (Electrical Contractor)

For additional information on product specifications see the appropriate cut sheets listed below.

Wattsun Azimuth Tracker (Array Technologies)

Schott Solar Module: ASE-300-DGF/50 (Schott Solar)

Schott SunRoof FS (Schott Solar)

Schott SunTrack Kiosk (Schott Solar)

StarInverter PVP1800 (PV Powered)

StarInverter PVP2800 (PV Powered)