Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Colorado State Signs for Solar Installation

  • By Dian Schaffhauser
  • 11/05/20

Colorado State University recently took action that will move the Fort Collins institution closer to its goal of shifting all of its energy needs to renewable electricity by 2030. The school signed a deal with Namasté Solar and Solaris Energy for a 10 megawatt solar system.

Namasté will develop, design and construct solar arrays at up to 30 sites, including rooftops, carports and ground mounts, at the university's campuses and provide long-term operations and maintenance. Solaris will set up the financing and then own and manage the systems as a part of its larger asset portfolio. Colorado State will retain ownership of renewable energy credits attributed to the new systems.

"CSU is a leader in many aspects of sustainability and we are always proud of that," said Carol Dollard, a utility engineer at the school, in a university article. "Sustainability in operations is actually the area where we have the most room for improvement and this project helps us close that gap. More solar installations will continue to advance carbon reductions and help us on the path to 100-percent renewable electricity."

Dollard said that CSU campuses currently consumed 170 million kilowatt hours. Current solar installations generated about 10 million kWh. That means reaching the goal will probably require other forms of renewable energy too, such as wind.

Construction and installation of the latest project are expected to begin in the first half of 2021 with project completion set for late 2022.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.

  • Geometric abstract school illustration

    How Design Shapes Learning and Success

    Can the color of a wall, the curve of a chair, or the hum of fluorescent lights really affect how a student learns? More schools are beginning to think so.

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.

  • NWEA Report Recommends K–12 Natural Disaster Recovery Strategies

    The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), a K–12 assessment and research organization, recently announced the release of a new playbook for schools and communities recovering from extreme weather events, according to a news release.