On February 21st, 2012, National University (La Jolla, California, U.S.) announced the completion of an 852 kilowatt (kW) solar power project at two campuses in San Diego, California. The solar project was installed by SPG Solar Inc. (Tucson, Arizona, U.S.).
The two rooftop solar installations include more than 3,000 solar panels located at the Spectrum Business Park Campus and a solar carport system spanning three parking locations at the Technology and Health Sciences Center in Kearny Mesa.
The optimized rooftop and carport systems will generate more than 1.4 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity per year. The energy produced from the systems will provide up to 85% of the electricity at the Technology and Health Sciences Center and 35% of the electricity at the Spectrum Business Park Campus.
In addition, National University is expected to realize savings of more than USD 1.6 million over the next 20 years.
SPG Solar has arranged a solar power purchase agreement (PPA) for the solar systems, which are owned by an indirect subsidiary of Integrys Energy Services Inc. The agreement is structured with no upfront capital costs to the university.
"In 2009, Chancellor Jerry C. Lee encouraged National University to incorporate sustainability practices in all facets of its operations. These new systems demonstrate that commitment to environmental stewardship," said Richard Carter, vice chancellor of business operations for the National University System. "These systems will not only reduce the equivalent of approximately 1,000 tons of pollutants annually, but they also have supported the development of sustainability management curriculum in our School of Engineering, Technology and Media."
