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UA teaming with APS Energy Services to generate solar electricity, heat campus swimming pools and advance solar technology on campus.

By University Communications
April 22, 2009

The University of Arizona and APS Energy Services announced today their partnership to bring solar energy to the University campus on an unprecedented scale, utilizing solar collectors to cover the roofs of some of the most prominent structures on campus.

Beginning in May 2009, the rooftops of McClelland Hall, McClelland Park, the Hillenbrand Aquatic Center, the Student Recreation Center, and most dramatic of all, the 2nd Street Garage, will gleam with photovoltaic electricity panels, solar water heating units or a combination of both, officials announced at a Wednesday morning news conference near the garage.

"The University of Arizona will shrink its carbon footprint over time, and today is an important step in that direction," said UA President Robert Shelton. "From research to student activity to the manner in which we manage our physical plant, the UA is creating a culture of conservation and sustainability that this century demands of us."

The goals of the solar project are to add 500 kilowatts of solar generating power to campus rooftops, heat the UA's large swimming pools with solar energy, and generally advance the cause of renewable energy on campus.

By converting 500 kilowatts of UA power to solar sources, the University expects to shrink its carbon footprint by approximately 2,209 metric tons of CO2. This reduction is the equivalent to the annual greenhouse gas emissions from 405 passenger vehicles or the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of 306 homes for one year.

"The environmental benefits of green and renewable energy technologies are widely known," said APS Energy Services Managing Director Bob Georgeoff. "We are proud to be a partner with the University in achieving its campus sustainability goals."

The solar project is the latest partnership between the UA and APS Energy Services. The two have successfully partnered on energy efficiency projects across campus since 1999.

Officials expect to begin installing solar panels in early summer and complete the work before the winter holiday break. Each building's roof will be nearly covered in solar devices. For the 2nd Street Garage, this includes adding shade to the top deck of the heavily-used parking structure.

The cranes that will hoist the panels and equipment onto the building roofs are expected to cause only minimal interruptions to car traffic on and near campus. Vehicle access to Second Street near Mountain Avenue, and Seventh Street near Cherry Avenue will be impacted during installation. The community will receive prior notification of these interruptions.

APS Energy Services will own, operate and maintain the solar generating equipment on campus and the UA will purchase the energy produced. This unique approach of simultaneously utilizing both photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies provides the University with an efficient means of advancing its renewable energy commitment while doing it in a cost effective and sustainable manner.

The solar thermal technologies that will be installed for use at the Hillenbrand and Student Recreation Center pools are an example of the partnership's sustainability and cost effectiveness. The Hillenbrand pool holds approximately 1.1 million gallons of water. The Student Recreation Center pool has 600,000 gallons. The Center's expansion also will give the UA its first silver LEED-certified building.

At 500 kilowatts of power generation capacity, this project may seem small compared to the UA's overall power needs. However this partnership is intended to be an initial step in what is anticipated to become a significantly larger solar program at the UA, officials said.