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Solar Panels to Generate Power Atop
Smith College's Campus Center
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – In a few weeks, solar panels will be mounted on the roof of the Smith College Campus Center to produce clean energy and reduce the college’s operating costs while lowering carbon emissions.
Throughout the next 20 years, the system will reduce carbon emissions by 238 metric tons, which is equivalent to the carbon that would be removed by planting 215 acres of trees.
 “I am thrilled that we are able to place this demonstration of renewable power on the building that is the crossroads of our campus,” said Dano Weisbord, Smith’s environmental sustainability director.
The electricity produced by the 130 solar panels will be approximately equivalent to the power needed to run the Campus Center Café. Installed by Borrego Solar Systems Inc., the panels will be located on the southwest side of the roof, where the Café and the Carroll Room are located.
The solar system will be financed through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with renewable energy marketer and developer, Community Energy, Inc.
Under the agreement, Community Energy will own and operate the $240,000 system, which enables the college to take advantage of the renewable power source without funding the system’s purchase up front. Community Energy will sell Smith electricity produced by the system at a locked-in rate for 20 years, insulating the college from rising energy costs.
“Community Energy is proud to join Smith College in developing this project that will bring clean, fuel-free electricity to the campus,” said Brent Alderfer, president and chief executive officer of Community Energy. “The solar Power Purchase Agreement is a great way for colleges and universities to reap the cost benefits of solar power without a large initial capital investment.”
Community Energy has worked with numerous colleges and universities, such as the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Albany and Emerson College, to reduce their environmental impacts with renewable energy and carbon offset products.
Smith will augment the power it purchases through Community Energy with power generated by the college’s high-efficiency cogeneration power plant and with electricity from the grid.
“We applaud Smith College on its decision to implement solar energy at its campus center,” said Brendan Neagle, chief operating officer of Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. “Students, faculty and the community-at-large will enjoy the long-term benefits of going solar for years to come.”
Go online to Smith's Webcam to see the installation of the solar panels.
About the Institutions
Smith College educates women of promise for lives of distinction. One of the largest women’s colleges in the United States, Smith enrolls 2,800 students from nearly every state and 62 other countries.
Founded in 1999, Community Energy Inc. (CEI) is a leading developer and marketer of renewable energy generation. CEI delivers renewable energy options that work for our customers.
Established in 1980, Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. is one of the nation’s leading designers and installers of commercial and government grid-connected solar electric power systems. Borrego Solar’s photovoltaic systems are efficient, reliable and cost-effective. With more than two decades of experience and more than 1,000 installations—totaling more than 15 MW—Borrego Solar offers a complete line of design and installation services throughout California, Nevada, New England, New Jersey and New York.
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