In late December 2013 Delaware Technical Community College became host to Delaware’s largest combined use of carport, rooftop and ground mount arrays in a solar installation. Standard Solar Inc., a leader in the full-service development, construction, integration, financing and installation of solar electric systems, installed the 800-kW, 2,645 panel solar system which includes solar installations at all four Delaware Technical Community College locations. Financing for the expected annual 1,075 MWh project was arranged through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement by Urban Grid Holdings LLC, a specialist in the development and financing of mid- to large-sized commercial solar projects.
The project’s solar modules, a product of Motech Americas LLC of Newark, represent the state’s largest use of Delaware manufactured modules in an academic setting.
“This project is the result of a partnership dedicated to advancing solar energy in Delaware. As a provider of energy education, it is also important that our own operations serve as a role model for our students, for the businesses we serve, and for the community. These solar panels put the College well on its way to achieving a 20% reduction in its carbon footprint in the next couple of years,” said College President, Dr. Orlando J. George, Jr.
Each installation will provide power to its own site with the exception of the Wilmington Carport which uses aggregate net metering to power two other sites. The arrays are expected to offset approximately six percent of the annual total energy needs of the four sites.
“Through this project, Delaware Technical Community College has reinforced their dedication to furthering the field of energy management while also significantly contributing to Delaware’s renewable energy portfolio. By installing this solar system, the College is also providing the student body with an invaluable learning platform,” said Scott Wiater, President of Standard Solar.
The College’s focus on advancing energy management studies includes building energy labs in all three counties and offering associate degrees in renewable energy solar, energy management and building automation systems.
— Solar Builder magazine
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