Kyocera Solar, Inc. and APS Energy Services (APSES) announced the completion of four solar energy systems at Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe campus. Collectively, the systems incorporate 3,572 Kyocera KD-210 solar modules. With combined peak generating capacity of 750 kilowatts (kW), the systems will generate more than 1.2 million kilowatt hours (kWh) each year — enough to power 70 typical homes.
Designed and installed by APS Energy Services (APSES), the rooftop systems are mounted on Carson Student Athletic Center (71kW), Weatherup Center (141kW), Hayden Library (249kW) and Packard Drive South Parking Structure (290kW). They contribute to the second phase of a campus-wide solarization project that will help ASU attain 10 megawatts (MW) of solar generating capacity in 2011.
“To demonstrate a commitment to renewable energy and sustainability we needed to work with experienced integrators and invest in solar products renowned for their quality, efficiency and high output,” stated Bonny Bentzin, director, campus sustainability practices with ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability. “For this reason we have aligned with APSES, a leader in clean energy services, and with Kyocera for the outstanding performance reputation of its solar modules.”
According to Princeton Review’s 2011 Green College Honor Roll, ASU’s Tempe campus has the most solar energy panels of any single U.S. university campus. Further demonstrating its leadership in clean energy, ASU introduced the first master’s degree program in solar energy this semester. ASU’s long-term goal — to reach 20MW of solar generating capacity by 2020, is progressing through strategic partnerships with solar integrators and manufacturers like APSES and Kyocera.
This partnership was initiated during the first phase of the solarization project, when APSES designed and installed a solar energy system on the LEED-certified Biodesign Institute using Kyocera’s high-efficiency modules. “APSES is proud to be a partner in multiple phases of ASU’s clean energy efforts,” stated Jason Scott of APSES. “As a company, our objective is to provide high-quality solar electric generating systems to our clients. To this end, APSES chose Kyocera’s solar modules for their industry-leading track record for reliability and output.”
“ASU’s vision and execution of its sustainable energy plan sets a high standard for other academic institutions,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. “That, combined with APSES’ expertise in designing and installing solar energy systems, made this an exciting collaboration. We are honored to work with two extraordinary organizations that share Kyocera’s commitment to clean, renewable energy solutions.”
