Catholic University is home to the Washington metropolitan region’s largest urban solar array, providing locally generated, renewable energy to the University and the greater community. The University broke ground on the 7.5 MW DC (6 MW AC) ground-mounted solar array in partnership with Standard Solar in fall 2022 and the array began production in summer 2024.
As a unique public-private partnership, the West Campus Solar Array will serve as an example of how organizations can work together to achieve the goals of the Clean Energy DC Plan. Not only does the project support achievement of the District’s renewable energy goals, but it creates learning and research opportunities for students, supplies renewable energy to surrounding communities and the Catholic U campus, and creates a healthy, local ecosystem.
The solar array is projected to avoid 7,087 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually (equivalent to 1,541 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year or the carbon dioxide emissions from 797,437 gallons of gasoline consumed).
The solar array builds on Catholic University's history of dedication to clean energy. In 2009, the University installed 2,600 solar panels on six buildings and above one parking lot; at the time it was one of the largest installations in the District of Columbia. In addition to generating renewable energy, Catholic University has offset 100% of its electricity usage through the purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) since 2012.
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Education
The solar array provides significant learning and research opportunities for Catholic U and District K-12 students. Partnerships with Ward 5 high schools will enable student site visits that will instill appreciation for sustainability values and invite students to envision a future for themselves working in clean power technology. For University students, it will also provide web-based energy production monitoring as a teaching and research tool.
For information on tours of the array, email sustainability@cua.edu.
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Community Solar
As a community solar project, the array will provide locally-generated, clean energy to District households, small businesses, nonprofits, and seniors, with a focus on Ward 5 residents. The 20-year projected savings to District subscribers is $3.5 million while being budget neutral to the District. The project also promotes economic development in the District by supporting new jobs in solar facility design, construction, and energy management and spurring Ward 5 development. It also moves the District to prominence in clean power production among US cities.
Subscribe to benefit from community solar here: https://info.standardsolar.com/cua-west-campus
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Environmental Features
The West Campus Solar Array is notable for its environmental features. During construction of the site, Catholic U preserved the lower third of the forest that covers the West Campus property as well as all heritage trees on site. Trees that were cleared from the site were either donated to the District’s Urban Forestry Division for use as benches and seating at schools in the District or they were mulched for use on Catholic U’s campus. Following the completion of construction, a native pollinator meadow was planted beneath the solar arrays which is complemented by a partnership with the DC Beekeepers Alliance to introduce beehives to the property. Stormwater management devices were to minimize runoff from the site and additional tree plantings in collaboration with Casey Trees are planned for the perimeter of the site.
Technical Details
The solar array is an impressive technological feat, comprising 13,858 solar modules, each with a capacity of 540 W, supported by a fixed-tilt racking system at a 15-degree tilt angle. Positioned strategically with a combined azimuth of 176 degrees, the system maximizes exposure to sunlight throughout the day. Power generation is optimized through 23 inverters, each with a capacity of 275 kW. Covering an extensive 24-acre area within a secure fence, the array is a testament to efficient land usage. Two 3,000 kVA liquid-filled transformers facilitate energy conversion and distribution. Real-time production monitoring is ensured through the implementation of the advanced AlsoEnergy platform. Compliant with industry standards, including IBC 2015, NEC 2011, AISC 360-10, AISI S100-12, and ASCE 7-10, the array is designed for resilience with a wind speed capacity of 105 MPH and a ground snow load capacity of 25 PSF. Interconnected through two feeders, the system boasts an impressive total size of 7,483 kW DC and 5.75 MW AC. This solar array stands as a model of technological sophistication, efficiency, and commitment to sustainable energy practices.