Work of ASU professors brings solar panels to Chino Valley

Chino Valley Mayor Jim Bunker recognized Arizona State University professors Govindasamy “Mani” Tamizhmani and James Subach with Notices of Commendation at a Town Hall meeting in November for their contribution to the town’s acquisition of solar panels. Both are professors in the College of Technology and Innovation at ASU’s Polytechnic campus.

Tamizhmani is president of the TUV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory (TUV-PTL), a joint venture formed between the ASU PTL and TUV Rheinland of North America to produce one of the best solar test and certification facilities in the world.

Tamizhmani has been conducting research related to solar photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, with a focus on the performance and reliability of commercial solar photovoltaic modules, for the past 26 years. He was recently named a “Green Pioneer” by the Phoenix Business Journal for his leading role in solar technology and testing.

Subach, a professor of practice in the Department of Engineering Technology, has owned his own business consulting firm for more than 25 years. His research interests are centered on business agility and the advancement of industry models for alternative energy enterprises.

The commendation from the Town of Chino Valley recognized the solar panel donation program Tamizhmani initiated while director of ASU’s PTL and which the TUV-PTL continues to practice. The town of Chino Valley is one of the latest to benefit from it.

Numerous groups and organizations throughout Arizona have received solar panel donations from TUV-PTL, including the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Prescott Valley Police Department, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Mesa Community College, Northern Arizona University and Mesa Public Schools.

Subach has a longstanding history with the TUV-PTL and is knowledgeable about the solar panel donation program application process. He helped officials of Chino Valley apply to the program. The Town of Chino Valley presented him with an unexpected separate commendation for his help in getting the panels and for his continuing work as liaison between the town and TUV-PTL.

Of his commendation Subach says, “I was both surprised and pleased to receive the commendation, particularly because the donations are going to projects that provide both visibility for the use of solar energy in the Town of Chino Valley as well as providing power for an ongoing project that is related to water sustainability.”

Chino Valley will receive more than 50 solar panels from TUV-PTL, which it plans to install at the town’s water reclamation facility.

“Because of the donation, the town is now considering a long-term plan to install additional solar panels to power the entire plant,” says Subach.

In addition to helping the town on its path toward use of renewable energy, the donation will benefit students from Yavapai College. The students, some of which are interested in pursuing careers in renewable energy, will help with portions of the panel installation.

Subach is pleased with the positive effects of the donation. “I am delighted with the results of the panel donations thus far and with the long-range plans that they are helping to initiate and support.”

For information about the donation program, contact Tamizhmani at gtamizhmani@tuvptl.com.

Written by Tana Ingram

Media Contact(s):
Christine Lambrakis, 480/727-1173, 602/316-5616, lambrakis@asu.edu