Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Webinar: Solar Carports: Turning University Parking Facilities into Renewable Electricity Plants

Tuesday, September 26, 2017
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EDT

There are an estimated 5,300 colleges and universities in the United States, and together, those campus facilities contain millions of parking spaces. This webinar will explore how colleges and universities can transform their underutilized parking facilities into solar power generation systems. By installing on-site solar, institutions can better control their energy costs, reduce their carbon footprints, meet stated renewable energy goals, and develop real-world teaching tools. In addition, solar carports shade and protect cars from the elements, reduce parking lot temperatures, and are a highly visible reminder of an institution’s commitment to renewable energy. 

The webinar will feature two case studies of universities with solar carport projects.
  • Michigan State University is outfitting five of its parking lots with solar parking bays for a total of 10 megawatts, which are anticipated to meet five percent of the campuses power needs.
  • University of Massachusetts is home to 11.6 acres of solar carports financed through a 20-year power purchase agreement.
Speakers:
  • Christopher Kent, Program Manager, U.S. EPA's Green Power Partnership
  • Lynda Boomer, Director of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University
  • Wolfgang Bauer, University Distinguished Professor and Senior Consultant in the Office of the Executive Vice President, Michigan State University
  • Ezra Small, Sustainability Manager, University of Massachusetts Amhers