One of the largest solar panel projects of its kind on a U.S. college campus is being built at California State Univ.
By Robert Rodriguez / The Fresno Bee /March 24, 2007
source: Fresno Bee.com
http://www.fresnobee.com/170/story/37208.html
One of the largest solar panel projects of its kind on a U.S. college campus is being built at California State University, Fresno. The $11.9 million project will use about 4,000 photovoltaic panels on top of 10 metal structures to produce 1 megawatt of electricity. That’s about 20% of the university’s base electricity demand and equivalent to power for 1,000 homes.
Chevron Energy Solutions of San Francisco, a subsidiary of Chevron, is building the system that is being completed in phases. Construction of the first phase recently began on the northwest corner of Shaw and Woodrow avenues. Along with producing electricity, the metal structures also will provide more than 700 shaded parking spaces on campus.
“This is an exciting project,” said Dick Smith, Fresno State’s director of utility management. University officials said the project, which received approval from the California State University board of trustees last summer, is expected to be completed by the fall. Fresno State President John D. Welty said the project is a great example of the university’s effort to meet its “green campus” initiatives.
“The Strategic Plan addresses our need to become a more environmentally aware campus by expanding recycling, sustainability in building design and construction, improved energy efficiency and environmental education,” said Cynthia Teniente-Matson, Fresno State vice president for administration and chief financial officer.
Along with providing renewable energy, and more than 700 shaded parking spaces, the project will include an information kiosk that shows real-time status of the photovoltaic production, conversion and electricity output. “All aspects of this project will expand and enhance our campus education on sustainability and our community’s knowledge of solar energy while reducing our energy costs for the next 30 years,” Teniente-Matson said.
Smith estimated that within 20 years the project will save the university more than $1 million a year in electricity costs. The 363-acre campus consumes about $5 million in energy annually. Fresno State will join several other large-scale solar projects in the central San Joaquin Valley.