Published: December 20, 2006 11:50 am      

FSU Energy Project

Department of Physics and Engineering developing wind, solar energy system

FROSTBURG - Local citizens will have an opportunity to learn about the potential benefits of wind and solar energy at the residential level through a new project at Frostburg State University.

"It really is a community outreach project," Oguz Soysal, chair of the Department of Physics and Engineering, said of the research project sponsored by the Maryland Energy Administration.

Through an MEA grant, a residential-scale solar- and wind-powered energy system will be constructed on campus.

Although the building is yet to be selected, the equipment should be operational by March, according to project coordinator Hilkat Soysal, also of the physics and engineering department.

Once the equipment is installed, students from a variety of disciplines will become involved in the project.

"We will generate unbiased information," said Hilkat Soy-sal.

The information will be available to residents who are interested in the pros and cons of installing such devices in their homes.

While the initial installation of wind and solar energy systems is costly, state and federal incentives exist, said Oguz Soysal.

An interdisciplinary curriculum, ongoing student projects, development of expertise for regional economic development, activities for public school children and development of community outreach projects are among the expected outcomes of the project.

A renewable energy symposium and exposition will be held at FSU on May 4 and 5.

For more information on the project, contact Hilkat Soysal at hsoysal@frostburg.edu or Oguz Soysal at osoysal@frostburg.edu or (301) 687-7079.

Jennifer Raley can be reached at jraley@times-news.com.

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