Several colleges and universities are pursuing solar solutions for two major reasons: to save money on energy costs and/or to meet sustainability goals through renewable energy projects. Whether you’re already pursuing a solar solution or just starting to consider your options, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, as well as certain factors that go into the most successful solar projects.
The Atlanta-based institution will be installing more than 15,000 solar panels on 16 campus buildings. That represents 5.5 megawatts of solar generation, enough to produce about a tenth of the university's peak energy requirements.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 05/27/20
energy efficiency
Electric vehicle chargers are much more than a plug-and-play upgrade to the old gas pump.
Sustainability
Architects continue to design buildings much the same way they always have; yet, a carbon-free future will require new practices, namely true, front-loaded integrative design.
Sustainability
If completed, the district will install solar energy, battery storage, and electrical vehicle charging stations at school sites districtwide.
- By Yvonne Marquez
- 01/07/20
Maintenance & Operations
Comprehensive scoping plus planning equals savings.
Guest Viewpoint
A few solutions to minimize renovation costs and support sustainablity goals.
Sustainable Schools
Over the summer, Olathe West High School added solar panels over two picnic tables where students can charge their phones and laptops.
- By Yvonne Marquez
- 10/25/19
Green Schools
The U.S. Department of Education recently honored 35 schools, 14 districts and four post-secondary institutions for their focus on the environment.
- By Yvonne Marquez
- 10/14/19
Infrastructure Solutions
Through ABM’s Energy Performance Contracting program, the customized solution is projected to save the school district close to $5 million in energy and operating costs over a 15-year period.
- By Yvonne Marquez
- 09/30/19
Green Schools
A new middle school, just outside of Houston, will have a net zero design, meaning the building will produce as much energy as it consumes.
- By Yvonne Marquez
- 09/23/19
The Sustainable Campus (Trends and Innovations)
Denison University has turned a solar installation into a bee and butterfly habitat.
Energy
Hamilton Southeastern Schools will be working with Ameresco to implement two solar arrays, with a total of 4,800 panels and the capacity of generating 2.4 million kWh annually.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 07/30/19
Green Schools
The project includes the installation of solar panels capable of generating a megawatt of energy and a 660 kilowatt-hour battery energy storage system at Amador Valley High School.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 07/25/19
Green Schools
Federal Hocking Local Schools had a "grand 'turn on'" of its new solar power plant. Now, 1,968 solar panels installed on the roof of the joint middle and high school building will provide energy to the Ohio school system.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 07/25/19
Green Schools
The project, with WE Energies and SunVest Solar, will install 8,076 panels at three schools this summer. The installations will primarily go on rooftops, but one school will also have a solar field with 2,134 modules.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 07/24/19
Green Schools
Orange Unified School District has begun construction on its first solar project. The installation will include a combination of ground-mounted and shade canopies at eight district sites, generating a projected 3.6 million kilowatts of renewable electricity during the first year of operation. The school system, which has 28,000 students, is working with Ameresco on the project.
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 07/23/19
On the campus of the University of California, Berkeley, Chou Hall is a leading example of the practice of sustainable development.
Case Histories (Real-World Solutions)
Case Histories (Real-World Solutions)
Ask the Expert: Smart Campuses
Case Histories (Real-World Solutions)