Coppin State University will install energy-saving solar systems on eight campus rooftops in efforts to reduce energy costs. The final project is expected to be completed by April 2011.
The project, funded by the Maryland Energy Administration’s Sunburst Program, will provide nearly three to five percent of Coppin’s total annual consumption and will cut annual electricity costs by $10,000-$15,000.
“The University is interested in installing solar energy as part of our green initiative to reduce our energy costs and carbon footprint,” Robert Underwood, associate director of facilities management, said in a statement.
According to Underwood, the installation of the solar photovoltaic systems will not only have an environmental impact but also an academic impact.
“The solar panels will be a great learning tool for our students interested in research on solar energy,” Underwood stated. “The educational component will provide a display of how solar systems work and how much of our energy is provided by solar systems.”
The energy-saving solar systems will be installed on seven of the campus’ existing buildings in addition to an eight system installed on the James Weldon Johnson Auditorium or a building to be constructed in the future.