Memorial School Solar Courtyard

August 14, 2009

The Union Beach Board of Education hired BSA+A to design a photo-voltaic steel trellis structure in their exterior, four-sided, 20,000 SF courtyard of the Memorial School in New Jersey. The solar panel array would not only reduce their electric bill, but the panels themselves would provide a shade structure to the courtyard, making it an enjoyable and cool outdoor learning space and extension of the school building.

Our client had two problems. The first was a courtyard that was too hot to use, and the second was a high utility bill. With our innovative approach, we were able to provide relief from the sun and then capture that energy to provide 15% of the schools electric bill.

Additional benefits include the replacement of the asphalt surface with pervious pavers, the addition of small trees and green groundcover, and the heat load reduction on the existing courtyard classroom windows.  Additionally, as the Union Beach BOE systemically replaces each aged roof section, they will incorporate new solar panels as well, further reducing the electric cost on the school eventually down to zero.

The total project cost is approximately $1.2 million with a $250,000 grant from NJBPU. It will be completed in August 2010.