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17 Jun 2002
The 1996 Summer Olympics ended seven months ago, but one legacy of the Games is giving researchers unique experience and new information that could helpmake solar energy a more viable source of electrical power. Built to host swimming and diving events, the Georgia Institute of Technology's Aquatic Center featuresthe country's largest rooftop, solar-powered energy system connected to a utility power grid. The 342-kilowatt photovoltaic system converts sunlight into electricity,serving as both a research model and a supplementary power source.
The system went online in July 1996. So far, the system has operated close to its expected efficiency, researchers say, although actual energy production has beenlower than predicted.
"The goal is to get a better understanding of how these systems work-their performance, their reliability and our modeling capability to predict their performance,"said Dr. Ajeet Rohatgi, a professor in Georgia Tech's School of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
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