During the course of the 2013-2014 academic year the Saint Joseph's University Green Fund along with the help of Dr. Michael McCann began to look towards the initial installation of a photovoltaic system on our campus. Throughout the course of the year Dr.McCann as well as the Green Fund continued to search for viable options. The estimated initial cost of the project was roughly $26,000 for a 5kw system. Instead of choosing a smaller system that produces less energy, the Green Fund decided to invest $35,000 into the project and with the help of anonymous donor we were able to receive another $10,500. At this time we currently have $49,500 invested in the project, after obtaining a $3000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
Currently the university is in the initial installation phase for a 10kw system which is being placed on top of Hagan Arena on the corner of 54th and Overbrook Ave. The system should be fully installed by January of 2015 and will generate an estimated 2% of the universities energy usage. However the university will continue to generate more of its own energy in the coming years, because the Green Fund has dedicated $10,000 towards this project for the next four years in order to expand upon the system. The Photovoltaic Energy Generation System will help the university to reduce its carbon footprint, educate students about the importance of solar energy, show the community that we care about our environment, and show our alumni that the university has taken a step in the right direction.
Currently the university is in the initial installation phase for a 10kw system which is being placed on top of Hagan Arena on the corner of 54th and Overbrook Ave. The system should be fully installed by January of 2015 and will generate an estimated 2% of the universities energy usage. However the university will continue to generate more of its own energy in the coming years, because the Green Fund has dedicated $10,000 towards this project for the next four years in order to expand upon the system. The Photovoltaic Energy Generation System will help the university to reduce its carbon footprint, educate students about the importance of solar energy, show the community that we care about our environment, and show our alumni that the university has taken a step in the right direction.