Objective:      

The objective of service learning is to integrate meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experiences, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities.                                                                                       

The goal of this project is to work alongside the service learning office to promote awareness of sustainable and clean energy in the community.  We will do this by successfully and affordably completing this project meeting all given requirements.  With a successful completion, we are eliminating approximately 2,320 Lbs of CO2 per year thus having a positive impact on the environment.  Our project will also provides tangible evidence of how fossil fuels can be replaced with renewable energy at an affordable cost with no loss in functionality. Hopefully, when people witness this solar panel system, they will realize that they too can feasibly implement a solar panel system on a small scale for their own personal use, which can have a vast impact on a greater scale in our current society.

What it means to us..

Bryan:

“First and foremost, this project has reinforced my interest in solar panel technology and renewable resources in general. In addition to this, by working on the design for this system throughout the semester, my interpersonal and teamwork skills have improved. Constant interaction with teammates, our sponsor, suppliers, manufacturers, and other professionals has definitely refined my communication skills. Furthermore, the undertaking of this large, year-long project project provides an excellent resume booster and interview conversation point, as there are many experiences and learning moments to speak about. Therefore, this project has provided a mutually beneficial relationship between the community and my teammates and I, as is one of the major goals of Service Learning.”

Edwin:

“Having the opportunity to work on this project is definitely more satisfying than working on a regular senior design project because of the service learning aspect of it.  It allows us the opportunity to provide to the HMF a working product that will be in effect all across CT for years to come at all types of events.  We will actually be able to see our work have a positive impact in the community while also satisfying all of the HMF’s electrical needs.  Hopefully this project is an example that projects can in fact take the environment into consideration and still be successful.”