SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

USD Teams Up to Develop Big Solar Energy System

(November 18, 2009, San Diego, CA)

The University of San Diego and AMSOLAR Corp. of Solana Beach yesterday announced plans to develop the eighth-largest solar energy facility on a college campus in the United States. 

“This important initiative will propel our sustainability efforts and immediately allow us to reduce our energy consumption by as much as 15 percent,” said Mary Lyons, the university's president. 

USD officials said they don't have to pay anything to have the 1.23-megawatt system installed on nine buildings, including residence halls, academic facilities, a parking structure and the Jenny Craig Pavilion. 

The project is being covered by federal stimulus funds and AMSOLAR. Installation is expected to be completed by spring. AMSOLAR will own and operate the panels through a 25-year agreement, and it will sell the power to USD at a reduced rate.