Apr 8, 2024 - Climate

University of New Orleans installs 3,330 solar panels

Carlie Kollath Wells

Photo shows two large parking lots full of solar panels with the UNO buildings in the background with Lake Pontrchartrain. — The University of New Orleans is focusing on reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by way of a solar array and other energy improvements. Photo: Courtesy of UNO

The University of New Orleans has a brand-new solar array that officials say will offset 17% of the school's annual electrical consumption.

Why it matters: UNO estimates it will save $2.1 million annually with the solar array and other energy efficiencies.

The big picture: UNO has a 25-year partnership with Bernhard that aims to reduce the university's greenhouse gas emissions and revitalize its energy infrastructure.

The school is investing $27 million in energy improvements at its lakefront campus, officials say.
In addition to the solar array, projects include renewal of chilled water systems and building upgrades.

Zoom in: The solar array has 3,300 panels and is on the west side of campus in a parking lot between The Cove and Privateer Place.

The array has the ability to monitor and match UNO's energy consumption on a second-by-second basis, officials say.
It took 10 months to build, officials say.

By the numbers: The solar array's reduction of CO2 is the equivalent to removing 319 cars from the road or planting 40,263 trees in one year, Bernhard estimates.

Go deeper: Full announcement from UNO.

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University of New Orleans installs 3,330 solar panels

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