Standard Solar Inc. is partnering with The Catholic University of America to build the Washington metropolitan region’s largest urban community solar array on the university’s campus in northeast D.C.
The 7.4 MW project provides local, renewable energy to residents, businesses, and nonprofits through the D.C. Community Solar Program. Standard Solar will manage, operate, and maintain this system.
Generating approximately 10,000 MWh of solar energy annually, the project will make a significant contribution to the district’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Catholic University is showing tremendous leadership with this innovative solar project to bring clean energy to the region,” says John Finnerty, director of business development at Standard Solar. “The project goes beyond expanding the University’s sustainability initiatives and environmental stewardship to directly creating benefits for the Washington, D.C. community and generations of students.”
The project will also provide educational opportunities for students of all levels, from kindergarten through graduate. Students will be exposed to sustainability and environmental stewardship by participating in field trips and STEM projects. They also have access to a web-based, real-time energy production monitoring tool.
The solar array will be installed on an undeveloped portion of the University’s 173.4-acre campus. Construction is expected to start in 2022.
This project is the latest in Catholic University’s commitment to sustainability. The campus already boasts 2,700 solar panel arrays; four LEED-certified buildings; electric vehicle charging stations; solar carports; new energy-efficient, chilled water generation and distribution system. It also has a five-year sustainability strategy.