Over the past two semesters, a team of graduate and undergraduate students competed in the Department of Energy’s 2023-2024 Solar District Cup Challenge. This year’s competition was the largest ever, with 60 finalist teams from 53 colleges and universities. Out of the six possible district use cases for teams to compete in, the “App Solar'' team was assigned Miami University of Ohio, and went head-to-head with teams from Northeastern University, Macalester College, SUNY Morrisville, and Drexel University. On Saturday, April 27th App Solar presented their comprehensive solar + storage solution to a panel of judges, industry professionals, and other competing universities. It was announced on Monday April, 29th that App Solar had won first place in their assigned district use case and would be advancing to the Project Proposal Pitch Championship with the first place teams from the other five divisions.
App Solarʼs winning system design consisted of a pole-mounted single-axis tracking PV system, a ballasted single-axis tracking bifacial PV system, a PV array showcasing the Myaamia Tribe Heritage logo, and four battery storage systems. The total capacity of the proposed systems was 7.5 GWh, providing 100% renewable energy to the designated section of Miami University’s campus. The comprehensive proposal covered the development plan, distribution and interconnection impacts, and a financial analysis. The proposed solution supported Miami University in achieving their carbon neutrality goals and offered cost saving incentives through peak load shaving and impressive financial returns. Additionally, it is exciting to note that a number of recommendations from the App Solar proposal are already under planning and development on Miami University’s campus. This achievement highlights the practical impact of the team's innovative approaches and their contribution towards sustainable energy solutions.
Team Members:
- Joey Crews, M.S. Appropriate Technology
- Ransom Cope, B.S. Construction Management
- Finley Collins, M.S. Appropriate Technology
- James Poole, M.S. Appropriate Technology
- Duncan Burns, M.S. Renewable Energy Engineering
- Apprecia Lassiter, B.S. Interior Design
- Paul DeYoung, B.S. Sustainable Technology
- Audrey McKay, B.S. Sustainable Technology
- RyLee Wadman, B.S. Sustainable Technology
- Lucy Cardenas, B.S. Sustainable Technology
- Chloe Young, B.S. Sustainable Building Systems
Faculty Advisor:
- Ram Poudel, Sustainable Technology
