Search sponsor
Search sponsor
CarbonFree Technology, Integrys Energy Services and SunPower have completed a 500kW rooftop solar power installation at Harvard University. The SunPower T5 system has been installed on the roof of one of the university's historic buildings in Watertown, MA, at a former military installation purchased by Harvard back in 2001.
"The multi-story building was erected during World War I and is an ideal site for solar, with a flat, unshaded roof," said Joseph Gregory, assistant director of sustainability at Harvard Real Estate Services. "Despite the age of the building, the roof has been upgraded and has a long expected life, making it perfect for this system."
CarbonFree Technology led the winning bid for the project back in March 2009, working with SunPower to design and install the system and provide operations and maintenance services.
"We are delighted to see Harvard play a leading role in the adoption of solar power in Massachusetts, and among academic institutions nationwide," said David Oxtoby, CEO of CarbonFree Technology. "We believe this is a clear win for Harvard, and an excellent fit with the university's environmental goals."
"It is clear to us that Harvard has a serious commitment to environmental sustainability, and is looking for ways to creatively reduce operating costs on campus," said Tom Leyden, managing director at SunPower. "We feel this project serves both objectives. The T5 Roof Tile will deliver more solar energy per sqaure meter and greater energy savings than conventional systems."
Crimson Solar, the wholly owned subsidiary of Integrys Energy Services, owns the system. Harvard has committed to buy the power generated from the system under a PPA, and the associated solar renewable energy certificates, for 25 years at a predetermined rate, with no upfront capital cost.
The project involves a financial contribution of US$1.1 million in rebate, provided by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, to promote the installation of grid-tied PV systems.
