The amount of solar power generated in Vermont continues to grow at a rapid pace. Marlboro College has a modest solar array to power a ventilation system in the greenhouse. Power from the sun – how does that work? We will explore the composition and function of solar panels – photovoltaic cells - but our central question is, can we build a larger solar array at Marlboro? We will explore this topic with the goal of creating a proposal for an expanded photovoltaic (PV) system at Marlboro College. A good place to start is an evaluation of the greenhouse solar array, followed by discussion of increasing solar power production at Marlboro, including possible sites, technical challenges, and financing models.

The goals of this course at to better prepare students to:

You will have weekly homework assignments as well as write-ups of three longer-term research projects. Weekly assignments include homework such as article responses, calculations, and establishing outside contacts (20 pts each). Progress reports for each of the longer-term projects will also be part of your grade (100 pts each; the draft and final versions of #3 are worth 50 pts each). I will not take attendance, you are expected to come prepared to every class. You have to show up to do the work – so 3 missed classes results in failing grade.

Students must read and understand Marlboro College’s Policy on Academic Integrity. This policy defines plagiarism and describes consequences for students who commit plagiarism and is described in detail in the Marlboro College Handbook.

The Marlboro College library hosts several resources for students on the proper use and citation of sources, including a Library Guide called “Creating Citations,” which also contains a link to Handling Sources: a Guide for Marlboro College Writers. These are excellent resources and students should take some time to explore them.

Week of

1/16

1/23

1/30

2/6

2/13

2/20

2/2

3/6

3/27

4/3

4/10

4/17

4/24

5/1

http://cs.marlboro.edu/ courses/ spring2017/solar/ syllabus
last modified Thursday January 19 2017 9:02 am EST