1.1 Megawatts
The large-scale solar power installation at California State University, Fresno will supply 20 percent of the university’s annual power needs. The 1.1-megawatt solar system is expected to save Fresno State more than $13 million in avoided utility costs over its 30-year lifespan.
The 10 solar carports, designed and built by M Bar C Construction, provide the only shaded parking on the campus. They are comprised of 3,872 photovoltaic panels mounted on top of more than 700 carport stalls constructed in parking lots on the southeast side of campus. The renewable energy system is expected to generate more than 1.5 million kilowatt hours of power each year, offsetting the production of about 950 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions—equivalent to planting more than 24,300 new trees or removing more than 200 cars from the road every year.
The solar parking project includes:
Ten multi-car, covered parking canopies topped with PV panels
Four publicly located electronic kiosks that provide real-time status of the photovoltaic production, conversion and electricity output
The covered parking includes 125 spots designated as premium reserved spaces for faculty and staff who pay a fee above normal campus parking fees for exclusive use of a stall.