The largest solar panel array at a university was just launched this week at Florida Gulf Coast University.
The new system will create 2MW of electricity at peak and consists of over 10,000 solar panels on 16 acres. University president Wilson Bradshaw says, “It’s now providing electricity to over 200,000 square feet of space.”
The solar power system broke ground earlier this year and didn’t run into any major hiccups. Wilson said, “It’s gone very smoothly and we’re very excited about it being up and running.”
Additionally, something you hardly ever hear, the project is reportedly under budget! How far under budget is yet to be determined. Though, early guesses are about $3 million dollars! Not bad, I would say. On top of that, the university is eligible for two federal incentives due to getting the system online before the end of 2010. AND, the university is expected to have energy savings of $700,000 to $800,000 a year from this project. Win win win.
Looks like Florida Gulf Coast University has money left-over for extra gifts after Christmas because of this project!
via coolerplanet and naplesnews
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Image Credit: Chandra Marsono via flickr under a Creative Commons license
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