ABM’s energy business has started construction on a 2 MW solar array to be implemented on Cornell University’s campus in Ithaca, NY, representing the Ivy League university’s first large solar endeavor. ABM, a provider of facility solutions, will provide EPC and O&M services. ABM joint venture partner Building Energy will finance and own the solar power plant in partnership with Distributed Sun, LLC, who developed the project for Cornell.

The 6,500+ panel “Lansing” solar array will provide Cornell University with fixed, low-cost energy rates over the life of the 30-year agreement, allowing Cornell to save money as utility costs are expected to rise in the coming years.

The Cornell University Campus (Source: Wikipedia)

“We are pleased to partner with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Distributed Sun, LLC, and ABM to launch Cornell’s first large solar project,” said Cornell Vice President for Facilities Services Kyujung Whang. “This facility represents a significant step to advance Cornell’s clean energy portfolio. The Lansing solar facility aligns with carbon reduction goals of Cornell, Tompkins County and New York State.”

The system is expected to generate just over 2.2 million kWh per year on average. Additionally, a section of the plant will be designated for academic use, which allows students physical access to manipulate 10 solar panels and access to the Web-based dashboard of the solar array state-of-the-art monitoring software. It is planned that energy and real-time energy use data will be publicly available on the Web.

“ABM is honored to have been selected to install Cornell University’s first solar array,” said Ted O’Shea, ABM energy business vice president. “We continue to focus on developing clean, renewable energy projects that reduce our client’s utility costs, increase power reliability and enhance their position as leaders of sustainability.”

“Distributed Sun selected ABM and BE to ensure Cornell’s exacting requirements for savings, quality and energy assurance are all met,” said Jeff Weiss, Distributed Sun Co-Chairman. “We are thrilled that Cornell trusted us to deploy its first third party energy supply agreement.”

The multi-year, multi-million dollar contract represents the second project for ABM’s recent joint venture with Building Energy, an Italian-based independent power producer, which added further expertise to ABM’s renewables team. The solar market continues to provide great growth opportunity for ABM, as $13 billion in solar projects were constructed in 2013. The market is expected to grow by a 28% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through the end of 2016, and ABM is well-positioned to take advantage of this growing market.

“Building Energy and its partners have been working extensively with Cornell University to finance and build a highly reliable solar power plant, which will provide Cornell with significant ongoing savings while delivering clean energy," said Building Energy Managing Director Andrea Braccialarghe. “Our efforts to help customers like Cornell find environmentally attractive solutions for their energy needs have been bolstered by the NY-Sun Initiative and policies that encourage foreign companies like us to invest in renewable energy initiatives in New York State.”