Projects | University of San Diego

University of San Diego (USD) is a Roman Catholic, four-year university located in San Diego, California. Founded in 1949, the USD provides an expansive curriculum in the arts and sciences through a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 7,500 students from 50+ countries. USD was named the 2009 Private University of the Year by the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.

In November 2009, USD entered into a Power Purchase Agreement with AMSOLAR through which AMSOLAR agreed to develop at 1.2MW solar facility on USD’s campus. AMSOLAR won the opportunity to build the facility with USD through a highly competitive bidding process. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in February 2010. The facility consists of more than 5000 photovoltaic panels, which are to be mounted on five rooftops and one elevated parking array across campus. Once completed, the system will be one of the largest solar energy facilities among educational institutions in the United States. AMSOLAR worked closely with USD to design a system that is uniquely tailored to site configurations. It was important for both parties to design a system that is cost effective, visually enhances the campus, and provides strong energy yield.

Through AMSOLAR GIVING, AMSOLAR’s corporate philanthropy, AMSOLAR has worked closely with USD to develop a compelling public relations campaign regarding USD’s commitment to solar power and continues to work with USD to actively engage the student and faculty body in the learning process about energy and sustainability.

In addition to benefiting the environment by deploying clean energy, the USD solar system will serve an educational purpose, promoting awareness of renewable energy in its community and among its broad base of constituents, including students, teachers, alumni, donors, prospective students and others.