Title: Tick Tock Energy and Lake Land College Ring in the New Year with a New 10 kW Bergey Wind Turbine and Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Hybrid System
Date Published: 1/13/2011 7:29:45 AM

Students returning to campus after the holiday break found their college had given them the gift of hands-on training in the growing field of Renewable Energy.  The 10 kW Bergey wind turbine and 1.34 kW solar PV system was installed over the break by Tick Tock Energy, Inc.  The Effingham, IL based company just completed the hybrid renewable energy system which features a 10 kW Bergey Excel wind turbine on a 90 foot monopole and a 1.34 kW pole-mounted solar (PV) array. The system is estimated to generate over 18,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. Over the projected 30 year lifespan of the equipment and factoring in inflation, the system is expected to reduce the college's electricity bill by $110,000. Web-based monitoring will allow visitors to track energy generation over the internet and via a screen in the lobby of the West Building.

The project was made possible by grants from the Lumpkin Foundation and the Federal Government as part of a program to develop a renewable energy training curriculum. Students and visitors will gain hands-on exposure to the hardware needed to help create energy independence.  "Tick Tock Energy has been superb to work with," said staff project manager Joe Tillman, "…they go the extra distance."  The installation was completed six weeks ahead of schedule.

Lake Land College joins the growing ranks of Technical Colleges across the country with renewable energy training programs.  Workers trained in "Green Collar" jobs are in high demand in an industry that is seeing unprecedented growth and popular support despite the troubled economy.  Lake Land students will have the assurance of an education with practical real-world applications.

Bergey wind turbines are industry leaders in reliability, performance, and simplicity. The wind generators have only three moving parts, reducing maintenance and contributing to their proven longevity. They are backed by a 10 year warranty - the longest of any small wind turbine on the market.   The solar array features six Sharp 224 Watt PV panels and Enphase microinverters. Sharp has a 25 year warranty on their panels and Enphase microinverters carry a 10 year warranty.

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