#solararray

On June 19, engineers on the ground remotely operated the International Space Station’s robotic arm to remove the Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) from the trunk of SpaceX’s Dragon cargo vehicle. Here, you see the experimental solar array unfurl as the station orbits Earth.

Solar panels are an efficient way to power satellites, but they are delicate and large, and must be unfolded when a satellite arrives in orbit. The Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) is a new type of solar panel that rolls open in space like a party favor and is more compact than current rigid panel designs.

ROSA is 20% lighter and 4x smaller in volume than rigid panel arrays!

This experiment remained attached to the robotic arm over seven days to test the effectiveness of the advanced, flexible solar array that rolls out like a tape measure. During that time, they also measured power produced by the array and monitored how the technology handled retraction.

NYPA’s latest K-Solar project was a collaboration with Hudson Junior and Senior High School, and will enable the school toreceive a portion of its electricity through a solar array constructed behind the school. Part of New York State’s K-Solar initiative, this program helps schools save money & lower their energy usage.

NYPA has made it easy for several school districts to “go solar,” start reducing their energy costs and combat climate change. The new Hudson array of ground-mounted solar panels will provide 1200 kW of power through 3816 panels to offset part of the school’s energy needs. It is also NYPA’s largest solar project to date. The Hudson school district is a great example for the Hudson Valley region, as well as the rest of the state, when it comes to the use of solar.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s K-Solar initiative is a first-of-its kind program launched in 2014 to combat climate change by promoting renewable energy use. Schools are matched with a solar developer and receive tools and technical expertise as well as access to financing.

The K-Solar program, administered by NYPA in partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), has also completed arrays for the Somers and Tarrytown school districts. The New York Institute for Special Education in the Bronx is expected to be completed this summer.