Two new solar systems will be dedicated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU). The new 620kW DC photovoltaic (PV) system and 54 kW solar thermal hot water system on PLNU’s campus will provide a combined savings of up to $1.6 million over the next 20 years. The projects build on PLNU’s first solar PV system developed by SPG Solar in 2008. PLNU continues to show their commitment to sustainability with one of the highest ratios of solar power to students in the U.S.

SPG Solar – a leading national solar energy company – designed, engineered and constructed the 620kW system that spans two rooftops and five solar carports, using Kyocera KD 235-watt solar panels. Perpetual Energy Systems financed the system through a Power Purchase Agreement under which PLNU will purchase the electricity produced at a predetermined rate over 20 years.  

Concurrent to the PV system’s construction was the installation of a 54 kW solar water heating system by Adroit Solar, an integrator of solar thermal systems. The system will provide an estimated 940 gallons of hot water a day to the student dorms and save the university $5,000 annually on utility bills. The project was financed by the Student Green Fund, a $5 semester fee initiated by students to provide funding for sustainability efforts on campus.

The two projects, which include more than 2,600 Kyocera solar panels, are expected to produce over 917,000 kilowatt-hours annually and provide a savings of up to $1.6 million over the next two decades.

What the partners are saying about these innovative solar projects:

“PLNU strives to be forward thinking and take a leadership role in sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship,” said Dr. Bob Brower, president of PLNU. “The stewardship of resources is one of our core values. It was through the strong partnership with Kyocera, SPG Solar, Perpetual Energy Systems, and Adroit Solar that we were able to expand our solar portfolio.” 

“SPG Solar values its great partnership with Point Loma Nazarene University, to date installing nearly 1 megawatt (MW) of solar power on the campus,” said SPG Solar CEO & President Chris Robine. “Through the dedicated support from the students, faculty and staff, PLNU is a leader and preparing for the future – securing predictable energy rates and enriching the educational experience for the students with this cross campus solar power system.”

“PLNU is one of the most innovative universities, filled with students and faculty who are driven by energy, water and resource conservation. We applaud their decision to install a solar thermal system, which further showcases their sustainability efforts and provides consistent financial savings for years to come,” said Jim Backman, President of Adroit Solar.

“Recognized for its leadership in the area of sustainability, PLNU has joined a growing number of environmentally conscience academic institutions whose investment in clean solar generated-electricity will benefit future generations,” said Steve Hill, president of Kyocera Solar, Inc. 

“PES is proud to count PLNU among the ranks of universities that clearly understand the benefits of hosting solar energy through power purchase agreements,” said Michael Streams, Senior Vice President of Perpetual Energy Systems.