Ohio Wesleyan University launched a public-private partnership to develop an on-site campus solar initiative. 

The university will partner with GRP|WEGMAN to provide solar power to the university at the most competitive market price. Once the solar project is completed, OWU will achieve an 82% reduction in carbon emissions associated with electrical power consumption on campus. 

“With this agreement, Ohio Wesleyan is doing more than creating a better university; we’re leveraging the university to create a better world,” President Matt vandenBerg said in a statement. “OWU will join the vanguard of American universities in onsite renewable energy production, energy stewardship, and environmental innovation — all while saving tens of millions of dollars and addressing significant planned maintenance.”

This collaboration will bring a 6-megawatt solar photovoltaic system and a 2-megawatt energy battery storage facility to campus and address campus infrastructure. The installation will generate 8.2 million kilowatt hours of clean energy annually on campus, while also providing both backup power capabilities and energy load-shifting opportunities.

The full environmental project to launch this fall requires zero capital outlay or borrowing from the university, fits within existing operational budgets and shields the campus from exposure to rising utility rates.

A committee is working to identify the best sites on the campus to locate the solar panels, including roof, carport and ground-mounted arrays. Work on the project is expected to begin before fall and take up to 18 months to complete.