Let the sun shine: Three facilities at Research Park open solar panel arrays

The University of Utah Research Park has taken another large step in its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 with the activation of solar arrays at three building locations within the park. The installations — at the 729 Arapeen Drive, 383 Colorow Way and 295 Chipeta Way — feature multiple mounting configurations, including rooftop, parking canopy and ground.

The new solar arrays are a combined 1.9 megawatts in size and will offset the three buildings’ energy consumption by a combined 27 percent.

“We are excited about the opportunity to significantly expand our alternative energy sources in Research Park,” said Jonathon Bates, real estate administration executive director for the facility. “These projects not only align with the U’s commitment to be carbon-neutral by 2050, but also begin the process of reinforcing sustainable building practices in Research Park on the cusp of its 50th birthday. As we look to the next 50 years of economic growth, innovation and private-public partnerships to reinforce the foundation of Research Park, it is exciting to capitalize on an opportunity to strengthen our alignment to sustainable development practices.”

Last year, solar energy was reported as the world’s fastest-growing source of power, Bates said. In Salt Lake City alone, there have been an estimated 60,000 panels installed. The new university facilities are projected to eliminate about 1.6 tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year and represent a combined effort with local contractor EFG Consulting, the university and Celtic Bank to increase the renewable energy sources in Salt Lake City.

“We are very interested in expanding our renewable footprint at the university. Projects like these, which can supply a whopping 1.9 megawatts of power, are much more than token gestures,” said University of Utah chief sustainability officer Amy Wildermuth. “They diversify our energy supply and are visible reminders of our commitment to better air quality and carbon neutrality. I applaud Jonathon and his partners at Celtic Bank for their ingenuity in bringing this project to fruition and hope we are able to capitalize on more opportunities like this in the future.”

The Research Park arrays will nearly triple the total amount of solar energy produced on campus. Over the past eight years, on-campus energy production by solar projects has continued to increase. Notable projects include the 2012 installation of solar panels atop the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Health, Physical Education and Health Complex East and North. 

The Colorow and Arapeen solar arrays were made possible through a partnership with Celtic Bank, which provided tax equity, permanent debt and construction funding for the project.