These Six Colleges are Solar-Powered

When it comes to going solar, many people still think it’s impossible. There isn’t enough sunlight, (a myth) their home is too large, (no home is too large) it costs too much, (it actually saves you money). Ready to get inspired to make the switch? These ten colleges are proving that it’s definitely possible, even with something as big as a school campus, in places as cloudy as Pennsylvania. Here are six colleges that are investing in solar energy, proving it’s possible for absolutely anyone to do so.

Northwestern University Has Had Solar Since 2011

Northwestern University’s entry into the solar world began in 2001 due to the students leading their own initiative to make it happen. They achieved their goal and ended up installing a 16.8-kilowatt system that produces about 20,000 kilowatt-hours every year. This project costed the students $117,000, who managed to get everything done by themselves through their fundraising, proving that literally anyone can make solar happen.

Drexel University is Bringing Solar Everywhere

Even the trash cans and compactors at Drexel University are powered by solar. 100% of Drexel is powered by renewable means, both from wind energy and solar power. On top of those amazing things, Drexel also is helping the community around it to go solar, by providing free assessments to homeowners so they can get started on their solar journey. And even better, they also help by providing discounts and rebates to its community members who install solar, making Drexel perhaps the top contender on this list.

University of Arizona Has a Solar Parking Garage

On top of the fact that U of A has been adding more panels to their school every year since 2009, U of A is also unique in the fact that it has a solar parking garage, which not only provides a unique source of power to the school but is also valuable to students who need to park under cover to avoid the intense Arizona heat.

Colorado State University is Providing Hands-on Solar Education

Apart from being an incredible generator of solar power with 8,500,000 kWh produced annually, CSU also taught its students how to plan, maintain, and analyze solar power. This information is invaluable in a solar powered world, especially with the ever-increasing amount of new jobs in the solar industry.

University of Utah is Giving Solar to Homeowners

Not only does the University of Utah produce solar energy, with its seventh rooftop solar system completed in 2015, but they’re also bringing solar directly to their community. In 2015, they partnered with Utah Clean Energy to provide 380 homes with solar power. In doing so, they were able to provide the installation of 1800 kilowatts of solar panels to its community, empowering the state to make solar a priority in an area where it’s not talked about nearly as often as it is on the west coast.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville is Making Solar Powered Cars a Reality

Solar powered cars are still an idea that many people don’t think will ever work out. However, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is trying to prove that theory wrong. They have an electric vehicle charging station that uses rooftop solar panels to charge up and power the cars that come through their campus. On top of that, students are able to analyze the cars, the production of energy, and how much energy is used, creating an educational experience on top of a practical one.

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