In 2017, UMass Amherst installed over 15,000 photovoltaic panels across campus, providing 5.5 megawatts (DC) of clean electrical power for the campus to use for a heavily discounted rate. The major solar energy initiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the regional grid by the equivalent of 31,000 non-metric tons of carbon dioxide and cut the university's electric bills by $6.2 million over 20 years.
Solar panels were added to five buildings and two expansive solar canopy systems, click below to view each of the projects from space:
Recreation Center
Champions Center
Computer Science
Fine Arts Center
Police Station
Lot 25
Lot 44
The project construction was completed in early 2017. The university partnered with Sol Systems who arranged for project finance, ownership and ongoing maintenance of the solar installations with the owner of the project, ConEdison Solutions for up to 20 years. The university will buy all of the electricity from the $16 million project for direct use on campus through a power purchasing agreement. The project developer provided paid internships to four UMass Amherst students in Market Development, Solar Engineering Design, and Software Engineering/Web Developing.
For more information about this major solar energy initiative and others visit UMass Amherst's Design and Construction Management
Solar Dashboards:
NOTE: Solar Canopy Projects in Lots 21/22 and Lot 49 will be available soon after projects are completed in early 2022.
