Fresno State Installs 1.1 Megawatts Of Solar
by Justin Thomas, Virginia on 11.13.07
Fresno State University in California has installed a 1.1 megawatt solar power system that will supply the university with 20% of its annual power needs. The solar cells were installed over the university's park lots by Chevron Energy Solutions. The system is expected to save Fresno State more than $13 million in utility costs over its 30-year lifespan. The 10 structures, which provide the only shaded parking on the campus, comprise 3,872 photovoltaic panels mounted on top of more than 700 carport stalls constructed in parking lots on the southeast side of campus.
The renewable energy system is expected to generate more than 1.5 million kilowatt hours of power each year, offsetting the production of about 950 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—equivalent to planting more than 24,300 new trees or removing more than 200 cars from the road every year.
I wonder if those 200 cars are monster SUVs that the average Fresnan (or, more likely Clovis resident) drives or a normal car? Regardless, with all the flat roofs and all the sunshine there, it makes a lot of sense
"equivalent to ...removing more than 200 cars from the road every year." Meanwhile, providing more comfortable parking spots for 700 cars a day.
Someone has a sense of humor.
I've been to the central valley of California. Every parking lot there should have a solar farm. It could power the entire state.
But how much did they cost?
Providing shade to those cars may also decrease the time they idle with the a/c on waiting for the car to cool down.
That's brilliant (pun intended). How long will it take to recoup the cost? Are those silicon based cells?
Brilliant! Covered parking in exchange for solar power!
Now those are Bulldogs with brains.
I just love those things! Genius. They had a pavillion like this in Ohio somewhere, I think. The future could be so bright, but we are moving so slowly. They could charge electric meter maid and groundskeeping GEM type vehicles, anything really. It makes me so sad how slowly this idea is catching on.
Not the only shading on campus. Administrators have a parking lot with big trees.