Solar Arrays at UM
-
System Overview
The Todd Building solar array was installed in 2011 as one of the 猎奇重口’s early renewable energy projects. The system generates on-site electricity and includes a monitoring system used for campus learning and energy tracking.
System Details
System Size: 2.1 kW
Panels: 9 solar panels
Annual Generation: ~2,516 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~1.8 metric tons annually
This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 205 gallons of gasoline consumed per year.
Funding & Partnerships
This project was funded through a combination of student-driven and institutional sources:
-
Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund (loan and grant)
-
EVST Kless gift funds
-
School of Extended & Lifelong Learning (matching funds)
-
-
System Overview
The Eck Building solar array was initially installed in 2020, then expanded in 2023 with the addition of several more panels. This expansion project was originally a Kless proposal, championed by ASUM Transportation as a part of a project to "offset" the emissions of their buses.
System Details
Initial Eck Solar Array
System Size: 21.33 kW
Panels: 54 solar panels
Annual Generation: ~25,536 kWh
Eck Solar Expansion
System Size: 40.85 kW
Panels: 95 solar panels
Annual Generation: ~48,898 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~53.9 metric tons annually
This is the equivalent of 12.9 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles being removed from the road per year.
Funding & Partnerships
These projects were funded through a combination of student-driven and institutional sources:
-
Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund (loan and grant)
-
Clearwater Credit Union donation funds
-
Dining Hall Bond funds
-
-
System Overview
The Education Building solar arrays were installed in 2025. Original plans were to install a substantial solar on the Manfield Library, but with roof renovations on the Phyllis J Washington building, this building was chosen instead. The Kless Sustainability Committee funded this project through a $250k grant from the large project fund to support the university's efforts toward clean energy.
System Details
System Size: 125.08 kW
Panels: 236 solar panels
Annual Generation: ~149,660 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~108 metric tons annually
This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 17.5 homes' energy use per year.
Funding & Partnerships
This project was funded through:
-
Kless Sustainability Funds (grant)
- Inflation Reduction Act solar rebate program funds
-
-
System Overview
The UM FLAT (Forum for Living with Appropriate Technology) is an intentional, living-learning community dedicated to everyday sustainability on the UM campus that installed its solar array in 2011. This array is grid-tied and net-metered, meaning that any energy not used by the house is exported to the grid and paid for by the utility.
System Details
System Size: 2.8 kW
Annual Generation: ~ 3,353 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~ 2.4 metric tons annually
This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 2,699 pounds of coal burned per year.
Funding & Partnerships
This project was funded through:
- Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund (loan and grant)
-
System Overview
Installed in 2015, the West Campus Solar Array provides clean energy while also serving as a learning tool and lab site for students. Additionally, the solar array was an investment aimed at helping UM reach its carbon-neutral goals.
System Details
System Size: 3.36 kW
Annual Generation: ~ 4,024 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~ 2.9 metric tons annually
This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 6.8 barrels of oil being consumed per year.
Funding & Partnerships
- Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund (loan and grant)
-
System Overview
The 50 solar panel array on the MMAC building was installed during the initial construction of the new building. Created through the generous donations of private donors and the UM Foundation, the MMAC is a LEED Gold Certified building that serves as a model of sustainability here at UM, using several sustainable infrastructure techniques such as the solar array.
System Details
System Size: 20.25 kW
Panels: 50 solar panels
Annual Generation: ~ 24,243 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~ 17.6 metric tons annually
This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 5 homes' electricity use per year.
Funding & Partnerships
- Donation from Terry and Pat Payne
- UM Foundation Donation funds
-
System Overview
In the summer of 2014, twelve operating solar panels were installed on the roof of the Fitness & Recreation Center. This helped Campus Recreation meet its sustainability goals and reach its carbon-neutral achievement in 2018.
System Details
System Size: 2.5 kW
Panels: 12 solar panels
Annual Generation: ~ 2,994 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~ 2.2 metric tons annually
This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 244 gallons of gasoline consumed per year.
Funding & Partnerships
- Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund (grant and loan)
-
System Overview
This solar array installation was a unique project with UM Dining to enhance their current sustainability operations. Although no longer in use due to construction of the Lommasson Building, at the time, the project was UM's largest renewable energy project and expanded UM's renewable energy portfolio by approximately 65%.
System Details
System Size: 5.216 kW
Annual Generation: ~ 6,247 kWh
Environmental Impact
CO₂ Avoided: ~ 4.5 metric tons annually
This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from 5,028 pounds of coal burned per year.
Funding & Partnerships
- Kless Revolving Energy Loan Fund (grant and loan)
The calculations for this page were generated using these websites: