Solar Initiatives
ASU is advancing an unparalleled effort to install nearly 20MW of solar power across its four campuses by 2014. ASU reached 10MW of solar-energy capacity on Sept. 3, 2011, which currently provides 10.3 MW of power – enough clean, renewable energy to power 2,500 Arizona homes for one year.
ASU's solar photovoltaic (PV) installations began in 2004 with a 34kWdc project on top of the Tyler Street Parking Structure on its Tempe campus. Now with more than 46 installations currently active on three of the four ASU campuses, ASU currently has the largest solar portfolio on a single U.S. university campus. There are many reasons ASU is the perfect place for solar energy. Below are five top reasons why ASU has undertaken a massive program to power its campuses with renewable energy:
- Numerous solar PV systems across ASU campuses prominently display the university's commitment to renewable energy and carbon neutrality.
- Renewable energy systems provide points toward LEED certification and ASU requires all new buildings to be at least LEED silver certified.
- ASU is a founding signatory of the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, which requires immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Arizona Public Service, ASU's energy service provider, predicts electricity rates will rise 40 percent over the next several years primarily due to volatility of fossil fuel prices.
- It's the right thing to do.
Read more:
ASU LightWorks
ASU Solar
TUV Rheinland Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory