Solar parking canopy at California State University Bakersfield
A new solar parking canopy at Cal State Bakersfield (CSUB) was activated this week on campus. The 1.2 megawatt (MW) solar installation has been installed pursuant to a power purchase agreement between the University and SunEdison.
The California State University did not have to spend any upfront costs. Solar panels at the parking garage will generate clean electricity to offset the school’s grid-based demand. In accordance with the agreement CSUB will purchase the electricity from SunEdison cheaper than utility rates and will be allowed to retain the renewable energy credits accorded to the solar parking canopy.
The University’s website notes:
CSUB has activated its 1.2 megawatt solar parking canopy in lots E and I. The 1.2 MW solar parking canopy will generate over 1.6 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean energy in the first year of operation and produce over 30 million kWh over 20 years. That is enough energy to power more than 3,100 average U.S. homes for one year.
Wse of the solar parking canopy will offset more than 29 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the initial 20 years of operation, which is the equivalent of taking 2,800 cars off the road. The solar panels will generate 25-30% of the electricity required for the school’s total energy use.
SunEdison has now completed 8 solar power projects for various California State University schools, with an overall 4.3 MW of capacity.
Tags: california state university bakersfield, solar carport, solar parking canopy, solar parking garage
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