(Raleigh, N.C., October 7, 2023) – North Carolina State University (NC State) continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability by installing a 157 kW rooftop solar array on Fitts-Woolard Hall, completed in July of 2023. This solar project, in partnership with EnergyLink, not only advances NC State’s sustainability efforts but also serves as a valuable educational resource for the university community. The installation was fully funded by generous donations from NC State alumni.
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Over the past decade, NC State has taken significant strides in promoting renewable energy and sustainability on its energy-intensive campus. The addition of the rooftop solar array on Fitts-Woolard Hall is a testament to the university’s dedication to harnessing clean energy and achieving long-term cost savings.
Fitts-Woolard Hall stands as a proud symbol of NC State’s commitment to delivering excellence in engineering education. With this new solar array, the university hoped to further showcase its engineering program and provide hands-on experiences to students, allowing them to work with the pv system as part of its curriculum.
EnergyLink, an expert in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects, was chosen as the trusted partner to design and construct the 157 kW rooftop solar array. This project leveraged EnergyLink’s expertise in tailoring electrification assets to cut NC State’s carbon emissions and increase campuswide sustainability efforts.
The 336 panel solar photovoltaic system, installed at a 10-degree pitch to optimize sun exposure and minimize weight load, is projected to generate 203,650 kWh of clean energy annually. By harnessing energy from the sun, this system will significantly offset Fitts-Woolard Hall’s operations and carbon footprint, thereby advancing NC State’s sustainable practices. The university will also reduce its reliance on the Raleigh power grid and potentially have the opportunity to sell excess power back to the grid.
The positive environmental impact of the solar array is substantial. The greenhouse gas equivalency calculator provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the annual kilowatt system production of 203,650 kWh is equivalent to avoiding CO2 emissions from 16,240 gallons of consumed gasoline or charging 17,555,854 smartphones. Further, the system’s carbon sequestration is equivalent to 172 acres of U.S. forests in one year.
As a certified EPC firm, EnergyLink is dedicated to helping commercial and industrial organizations reduce carbon emissions, increase sustainability, and lower operating expenditures through solar + storage, renewable, and energy efficiency projects. Businesses interested in similar results and custom energy projects are encouraged to get in touch with EnergyLink today.
For more information about EnergyLink and its services, please visit goenergylink.com or call 866-218-0380.
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About EnergyLink
EnergyLink is a certified Engineering, Procurement, and Construction firm who designs, builds, and funds renewable energy and energy efficiency products for commercial businesses, public institutions, cities, municipalities, and nonprofits.
