So far, so good. The 1,487 solar panels installed last winter atop the three largest roof surfaces on the medical center campus are doing what they’re designed to do.
Darren Dageforde, executive director of utilities and energy utilization for UNMC, said the UNMC/Nebraska Medical Center campus has already made great strides in reducing energy use and increasing efficiency.
The panels were installed on top of the Sorrell Center, the Stanley M. Truhlsen Eye Institute, and the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health. They can generate up to 500 kilowatts of solar-powered electricity to help power the campus.
“Its energy production will equal the average annual electricity use of 60 homes in OPPD’s service territory,” said Jared Friesen of Morrissey Engineering, which designed the project.
The solar arrays use a combination of east and west-facing panels, built to maximize the energy produced in each square foot of roof space used, while reducing shade between rows, and limiting the overall weight added to the roof, Friesen said.
“Having a renewable energy source on campus demonstrates our commitment to being carbon neutral by 2030 and parallels our mission to create a healthy future for all individuals and communities,” Dageforde said.
For maximum efficiency, the three buildings with the solar panels will use the electricity generated first. Any additional electricity can be used by other campus buildings but will not be stored. This consistently reduces the overall electric demand on campus.
You’re invited to learn more about the solar panels on Wednesday, Sept. 11. An open house will be held at the Maurer Center for Public Health from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in conference room 3020. Stay however long you want, ask questions — we can talk about solar at your home, too — get facts, and of course see the solar panels (short flight of stairs required). Light refreshments will be provided.
The project is part of an Interlocal Agreement between the OPPD Board of Directors and the UNMC Board of Regents. It is the latest in a number of energy-efficiency efforts added to the campus since 2012.
Interested in solar at your home? The cost to install solar panels continues to decline, OPPD has outlined a process, Google’s Project Sunroof can help map your home’s solar exposure, and Nebraskans for Solar has great resources on all facets of solar.