Grant: Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Solar energy is one of the cornerstones of renewable energy policy and planning in Canada. However, many Canadians do not realize that solar collector panels on the market today were designed for the California climate. Meanwhile, we continue to use these panels without a clear understanding of how their efficiency, electrical output and product life cycle will be impacted by the colder and more variable Canadian climate. The solar simulator equipment requested by Fanshawe College will be used to attempt to answer those questions in a study involving partner Virelec Solar Ltd. Acquisition of the equipment also will allow the college to engage in future projects with other solar technology companies. Companies will benefit from access to college expertise and resources. Faculty will gain new knowledge and insights that will be brought back to students via classroom teaching. College students will play an important role in this applied research, and will benefit from a real world, hands-on learning experience that complements their conventional learning experiences.