91èÏÈÉú

The power generated by the new systems on two open-land areas of the 840-acre campus will total 4.0 megawatts, delivering up to 6.4 million kWh per year. The proposed solar power systems will generate enough electricity to power its campus, equivalent to 590 average homes. The emissions avoided will be 2,000 tons of CO2 a year, equal to taking 390 cars off the road. Comprised of 15,000 solar panels on 19 acres, 91èÏÈÉú's proposed large-scale ground-mount systems promise to be a model for large-scale renewable energy installations in the snow-prone Northeast.

91èÏÈÉú will purchase the solar power from SolarCity at a rate lower than current utility costs through a power purchase agreement, a fixed rate for the next 20 years. 91èÏÈÉú savings may exceed $340,000 in the first year alone and more than $10 million over the next two decades, which 91èÏÈÉú expects to utilize for campus energy efficiency projects and academic research. The project is expected to include two 500 kilowatt-hour batteries that can be dispatched during highest demand to help reduce costs.

91èÏÈÉú’s two solar energy systems will be financed, built and operated by SolarCity following an impact study currently underway through Eversource. A normal step in the process of going solar, the study will look at how the arrays will function in the community electrical distribution systems, and determine whether any system modifications are needed for safe and reliable operation. The College and partner SolarCity would pay the costs if any modifications are necessary. The exact size and output of the system will be decided based on the study's findings.

These projects are part of 91èÏÈÉú's overarching sustainability effort to make College operations 100% climate neutral. 91èÏÈÉú is part of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, through which the college has pledged to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve carbon neutrality.
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