The University of Toledo will more than double the amount of renewable energy generated on Health Science Campus with a 540-kilowatt addition to its existing solar array.<\/p>\n
Work on the expansion is expected to begin this summer, with the new array generating power before the end of the year.<\/p>\n
The University will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 28, near the future construction site off Arlington Avenue along Main Technology Drive. Parking is available in Area 44E.<\/p>\n
Once the addition is completed, the solar array will have a total capacity of nearly 900 kilowatts, producing about $70,000 worth of electricity annually for the campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project represents an important steppingstone toward improving the University\u2019s clean energy infrastructure and reducing our carbon footprint,\u201d said Dr. Randy Ellingson, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. \u201cThere is no question that solar is now the most important energy technology in the world, and this installation will provide us with sun-fueled clean power for the next quarter century.\u201d<\/p>\n
The University is using panels donated by First Solar, one of the world\u2019s leading producers of solar cells. The company, which has a long history in northwest Ohio and maintains a production facility in Perrysburg, recently provided UToledo with more than 1,300 of its Series 6 Plus modules valued at $165,000.<\/p>\n
First Solar previously donated the Series 5 panels that are in use on the current 337-killowatt Health Science Campus array, which was completed in 2020.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe relationship between First Solar and The University of Toledo continues to grow in depth and importance,\u201d Ellingson said. \u201cWe continue to be grateful for First Solar for their generosity and support of these array projects, as well as for our collaborative research projects and the opportunities they provide our students.\u201d<\/p>\n
In addition to reducing the amount of electricity the University purchases to power Health Science Campus, the expanded solar array is projected to save UToledo about $50,000 per year by reducing peak demand charges.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing solar power at a large commercial facility \u2014 like Health Science Campus \u2014 changes the load profile by taking off the summer peaks, and that frees up that grid pressure for other businesses and houses that need it,\u201d said Michael Green, director of energy management at UToledo. \u201cThis not only benefits the campus financially, it benefits the community. We\u2019re helping to make the grid more reliable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Installation of the new array is expected to cost about $530,000.<\/p>\n
The Student Green Fund, which raises money through a voluntary, $5 per-semester fee, has committed to contributing $300,000 toward the project. The fund also covered the $350,000 cost of installing the existing solar array.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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