IPF expertise lights the way for student group

A $25,000 grant from the Ford Motor Company Fund, awarded to the MSU Sustainable Spartans student group, is providing solar-powered lighting at 11 bus stops across campus, and helping improve safety for both bus drivers and student passengers. 

Guy Halsey, Planning, Design and Construction electrical engineer, has worked closely with the group and representatives from CATA to select the appropriate components for installation. 

“The group knew what it wanted to accomplish, but needed help in making it come to fruition,” Halsey said. “First, I provided light meters so they could measure how much light would be needed at each location. Then, together, we researched vendors that could provide what was needed at their price point.”  

The first unit was installed near McDonel Hall and the remainder of the units, consisting of a solar array, storage battery, controller, LED light and associated cabling, are being ordered and installation should begin within the next few weeks. 

“CATA has been a real hero and a great partner for us,” Halsey said. “They are doing all of the installations, with help from IPF Metal Shop Mechanic II, Don Meyers, whose work in fabricating custom supports for the various components really knocked it out of the park.” 

CATA service planning and scheduling manager, Kai Christiansen, said their involvement in this project has also benefitted them. 

”Several bus stop locations throughout CATA’s fixed-route system do not have access to traditional hard-wired power sources,” Christiansen said. “Solar arrays and their associated systems provide us with the opportunity to bring this enhanced amenity to customers across the region.”