The University of Wisconsin-Platteville’s 2.4 MW solar array is operation. The five-acre installation in Memorial Park became operational in August 2022 and comprises 5,516 solar panels. Designed to generate approximately 3.33 million kWh of electricity annually, the array feeds directly into the university’s campus electricity system. It is also designed to offset around 17% of the campus’ electricity consumption. This will save approximately US$217,000 annually. It will also reduce carbon emissions by about 2,300 ton per year. It is a concrete example of how publicly funded campus renewable energy projects can deliver long-term savings.
In January 2023, the project received recognition on RENEW Wisconsin’s Clean Energy Honor Roll. The university continues to feature the installation as a key component of its sustainability program. This is as other universities across the country including UC San Diego and New Mexico State University continue to make their microgrids green.
US$3.4 Million solar project approved for University of Wisconsin, Platteville
Reported February 16, 2021 – The Wisconsin State Building Commission has approved the construction of what will be Wisconsin’s largest state-owned solar array project. It will be built at UW-Platteville.
The US$3.4 million solar array project will supply almost a fifth of the campus’s electricity needs. It will also save about US$217,000 a year in energy costs.
The 2.4 MW project was brought to light by a 2018 petition, signed by more than 300 students. The petition called on the university to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030. More than 82% of students agreed with the goal in a May 2019 student referendum. Currently, only five American colleges and universities generate more of their energy from on-site solar arrays.
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Construction Outlook
The panels will be built on a five-acre hillside in the campus’ Memorial Park. Construction of University of Wisconsin solar project is scheduled to start in spring 2021, and the system should be operational this fall. The solar power system will connect directly to 32 campus buildings where the electricity is used rather than feeding power onto the grid. This arrangement maximizes the benefit to the university and reduces strain on utility networks.
Additionally, it is expected to meet about 17% of campus demand and is set up to accommodate future battery storage. According to the application approved by the building commission, the energy savings will allow the university to pay off the project in 16 years.
The university currently has a 5 kW solar system atop its Engineering Building, along with a smaller solar array and a 20 kW wind turbine.
“We are excited to take this momentous step in our commitment to sustainability.” Chancellor Dennis J. Shields said in a statement. “These efforts will save taxpayer money and have a lasting impact on future generations of pioneers. I am proud that UW-Platteville can serve as a model of innovation and pave the way for other state agencies to follow suit.”, he added.
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