Renewable Energy

Installation of Solar Photovoltaic Canopies

As part of the BIG CUPR project, solar photovoltaic (PV) canopies were installed in parking lots 5 and 6. These canopies generate 4.5 MW of electricity during peak hours, which has reduced campus reliance on the electrical grid. They also provide shade to 1,500 cars and minimize vehicle idling.

The PV systems cost-effectively maximize on-site electricity production with high efficiency panels oriented to face south, and leverage chiller plant infrastructure to store excess renewable energy. The optimized design increases reliability and reduces costs while maintaining generation output. The chiller plant and thermal energy storage infrastructure is used to store any excess renewable energy produced, so there is no additional cost of a backup energy storage system.

PV generation provides a reduction in electricity import to the campus through on-site generation. 20% of campus energy now comes from a renewable resource. PV carport structures are a visisble display of the University's commitment to sustainability. The PV carport structures will create shade for parking lots and provide renewable energy learning opportunities for students.

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