Colleges and universities can be hit with large utility bills due to mini-fridges in dormitories, dishwashers in dining halls, and computer labs on campus. The SunShot Initiative aims to ease the financial burden on college campuses by allowing them to use solar power.
Two projects have been funded by the Solar Market Pathways program, that is already making a difference. The first project involves the Council of Independent Colleges of Virginia working with 15 of their member schools to pool their purchasing power to install 38 megawatts of solar distributed generation by 2020. The group buying structure will enable the colleges to negotiate lower prices for their solar panels. This will save them money right away. The savings will continue for colleges, as each of the solar installations planned will reduce campus operating expenses while bringing other economic and ecological benefits.
Through its Solar University Network, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association has positively affected universities—the pilot project partners with utilities and universities to encourage solar energy investment and accelerate solar installations. Solar University Network supports the University of Minnesota and Illinois State University through professional development events and the facilitation of campus-based solar development teams. It also provides direct technical assistance.
The SunShot National Laboratory Multiyear Partnership program provides universities with in-depth technical support. The available program aims to help universities increase their deployment of midscale solar energy systems by assisting them in developing deployment solutions they can share with other schools in the country. NREL’s REopt platform for renewable energy planning will screen universities and help them understand what mix of renewable energy, additional resources, and cost savings are needed to achieve their energy efficiency and cost-saving goals. NREL also offers short-term assistance for solar photovoltaic installation to several universities that submit qualified applications.
The SunShot programs will allow universities to explore the advantages of using renewable energy on their campuses. These projects also inspire students to bring solar power off campus. Our Grid Engineering for Accelerated renewable energy deployment program (also known as GEARED) trains future utility sector professionals on operating the grid using solar electricity at increasing levels. Solar energy is a great way to save money and use clean energy. It also helps students understand renewable energy technologies.