University of Michigan adds solar through ‘Maize Rays’ initiative

The College of Michigan has introduced on-line two photo voltaic initiatives on its North Campus, as a part of its Maize Rays initiative. The college goals to put in 2.5 MW of solar across seven locations on its Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses.

Dean Street Transportation Facility. Picture credit score: Benjamin Morse, Workplace of Campus Sustainability and Innovation.

The arrays are designed behind-the meter, feeding energy instantly into the college’s personal grid.

“These initiatives show continued momentum in constructing a extra resilient and sustainable power system for the college,” stated Brian Corridor, assistant vice chairman for utilities. “Every set up helps us cut back emissions, strengthen operational resilience, and develop the function of renewable power throughout our campuses.”

The 2 newly on-line methods embody a 730-kW rooftop and carport setup on the College of Michigan’s North Campus Administrative Complicated and 1.2 MW put in on the Dean Street Transportation Facility.

These websites be part of the college’s first Maize Rays installations, together with arrays on the North Campus Amenities Providers Constructing (600 kW) and the Tony England Engineering Lab Constructing in Dearborn (500 kW).

The Maize Rays initiative instantly helps the college’s broader campus power transition targets, together with efforts to get rid of Scope 2 greenhouse fuel emissions linked to bought electrical energy.

“The continued enlargement of Maize Rays displays the college’s dedication to stewardship and power transitions which are good for communities,” stated Shana Weber, affiliate VP for campus sustainability and innovation. “These initiatives not solely cut back danger related to reliance on fossil fuels, but additionally create alternatives for studying and engagement throughout the college and broader neighborhood.”

The initiative is a collaboration among the many Workplace of Campus Sustainability and Innovation, Amenities & Operations, Radial Energy and scholar teams akin to College students for Clear Vitality.