Example Projects

AzRISE is involved in a wide range of innovations in science, technology, economics and policy, reaching from solar light measurement and collection through energy conversion, storage and distribution with the development of tests, sensors and software for resource management and control, power distribution and smart grid implementation for utilities and the home. This is supported by graduate and undergraduate education, workforce training and outreach programs to highlight the value and potential for widespread adoption of solar energy.

Fundamental Research and Measurements

 

Demand peak-shaving using renewable energy: Plot of typical energy load for a late summer day showing how a mixture of constant grid power with photovoltaics, battery for weather intermittency and compressed air energy storage to stretch the day, will fully cover the demand for the entire day.

• Measurement and prediction of solar radiance and energy conversion through tests at the TEP Solar Test Yard, the UA Science and Tech Park and other sites including new installations at Arizona community colleges. Measurements show variance in sky conditions, solar radiance, module and ambient temperatures, and cooling by wind.

• Exploration of nanostructured films for high conversion efficiency using novel semiconductors and new thin film materials.
   
• Studies of solar desalination on the Navajo Reservation for low-cost potable water and development of test facilities.
   
• Research into geology favorable to compressed air storage in Arizona and the Southwest. Development of subsurface imaging techniques and novel compressed-air storage methods.
   

Development, Demonstration and Economics

Large-scale solar mirror being installed in Phoenix for testing the operation of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) with a novel Brayton engine Design (SolarCAT). [Courtesy of Southwest Solar Technologies.]

• Development of effective energy storage applications at planned demonstration facilities and AzRISE test beds.
   
• Economic assessment and analysis of critical cost factors in the adoption of renewable energy resources.
   
• PVSIM - a software program for customers to evaluate the cost and savings of installed PV for utilities and related industries (available for licensing from UA/AzRISE).
   

Renewable Energy Policy

Skip Laitner- Director, Economic and Social Analysis, American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), presenting a lecture on "Energy Efficiency Imperative for a Robust Economy" at an AzRISE Policy Center Seminar.

• Formation of a Renewable Energy Policy Center to focus on economic and public policy issues associated with the development and deployment of solar energy to meet energy and sustainability needs.
   
• Development of approaches and recommended practice for sustainable living compatible with new smart grid technologies.
   

Outreach, Workshops and Consortia

AzRISE works to drive state-wide collaborations, with participation from business, government, utilities and university faculty. AzRISE teams include 50 faculty, 16 departments, 6 colleges, 100 students. 

Arizona Leadership Summit on Solar Energy and Economics organized by AzRISE to     discuss the technology, economic and policy challenges of solar energy in the State of Arizona. President Robert Shelton (UA) is introducing the Summit that was attended by Arizona Corporation Commission Chair Kristin Mayes, NAU President Haeger, ASU President Crow, TEP President Bonavia and APS Past President Post. The Summit was held in January 2009. 

• Arizona Leadership Summit on Solar Energy and Economics - A statewide summit that featured all three Arizona universities and leadership from government, academia and business that explored the potential for Arizona to become a global leader in solar energy.
   
• Solar Fusion - A day-long event at the University of Arizona that highlighted the range of solar innovations at UA and in AzRISE-sponsored projects.
   
• AzREST - A statewide consortium of Arizona utilities organized and directed by AzRISE, to examine energy storage technologies.
   

Education, Workforce Training, and Student Teams

• AzRISE has developed its first workforce training course: Advanced Solar PV Installation- (a train the trainer based curriculum)

• Mallory - A solar urban concept car that demonstrated over 3,000 mpg equivalent fuel consumption in the Shell Eco Marathon.

Drifter 2 - A solar racing car raced in the North American Solar Challenge.

• The SEED[pod] Solar House that competed in the 2009 Solar Decathlon in Washington, DC.
   
• The Solar Storytellers performing Dr. Solara and the Fossil Fools at the UA Solar House on the Mall in Washington, DC.
   
• AzRISE engages in community outreach and supports the UA SAGE, student program for sustainability.
   

  For additional information contact: 

                               Joey Pouliot, Outreach Program Manager through the contact form,  AzRISE Affiliates Program 
                               or call 520-425-0469.