New Solar Panels to Produce Clean Energy, Help Low-Income D.C. Residents

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April 21, 2017 – A major solar panel project to be installed on six buildings at Georgetown this summer will increase the university’s sustainability efforts, reduce costs and serve low-income residents in the city.
The university has signed a power purchase agreement with Community Renewable Energy to install what Xavier Rivera, director for Georgetown’s department of energy and utilities, says is the largest rooftop solar system installation in the District of Columbia to date.
"This innovative project exemplifies Georgetown’s commitment to sustainability, an integrated approach driven by our Catholic and Jesuit heritage and our commitment to social justice and the common good,” says Robin Morey, vice president for planning and facilities management.
Minus 223 Cars
The project, facilitated by renewable energy consultant ClearRock, is expected to generate about 1.5 million kilowatt-hours of power each year, contributing to a cleaner electric grid and reducing annual emissions the equivalent of avoiding the use of 1.1 million pounds of coal or taking 223 cars off the road.
The project will be installed at no cost to the university and is expected to save Georgetown over $3 million on energy costs over 20 years.
“This initiative allows us to leverage the economics of solar to advance sustainability while addressing important deferred maintenance needs on campus,” Morey says.
The project includes replacing and modernizing the original solar panels on the roof of the Bunn Intercultural Center and installing new solar panels on the rooftops of Regents Hall, the Davis Performing Arts Center, Alumni Square, McDonough Gym and the Leo O’Donovan Dining Hall.
Common Good Commitment
A portion of the revenue generated by the solar project will create a “community investment fund” to support clean energy projects in low-income areas of the District.
“This is a win-win for both the university and the city and is in keeping with Georgetown’s commitment to the common good,” says Morey.
The project is ...

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