Solar:¶
Solar Energy in Spain:¶
Europe (ESTIF - European Solar Thermal Industry Foundation) has an initiative to support and develop local and regional solar energy ordinances (building requirements). In the linked website they point out that Barcelona has been a leader
In Barcelona that city makes many resources available to support citizens and track renewable energy issues. This city website is the starting point for exploring all of that. I need to explore more here to generate learning experiences.
Electricity use is monetized very differently in Spain and Barcelona. Here is are the plan options from Iberdrola (a large energy providor). This news article, from summer 2021, talks about changes to the billing patterns for electricity which has probably influenced the plans currenlty offered.
Solar Energy Teaching/Learning Resources¶
Aragon/Zaragoza¶
The weekend of April 8th is when we plan to visit Zaragoza and the region around it. During that trip we are planning to visit Belchite (a Civil War site) and it turns out there is an unusual solar farm just 10 km E of Belchite. This solar farm uses a full tracking system to maximize the energy generated from the sun. This is unusual because as the cost of panels has dropped it is no longer cost effective to build tracking systems for the modest amount of energy gain.
Classroom Building¶
There is, or was, a flat panel solar array (PV) on the roof of the classroom building at Carrer Casp. Would be good and interesting to see if there is a monitoring panel in the building or accessible via software. It’s possible that this is a solar hot water array but not sure from the satellite view. Iria is looking into whether it’s still on the roof and if the maintenance folks would give us a tour.
Hotel Ayer Casp¶
This hotel (across the street and up about 1/2 a block from the classroom building) seems to have a solar hot water system on it’s roof. This would also make a great visit if it’s accessible. Hot water is a serious expense in Barca though only some buildings seem to have rooftop systems installed.