Cal Poly Engineering Gets Free Solar Roof as Part of CSU Pilot Program

SAN LUIS OBISPO - Cal Poly's Engineering West building will have a new solar roof next fall thanks to a California State University pilot program and SunEdison.

Cal Poly is one of three CSU campuses, along with Dominguez Hills and Chico, participating in a system-wide pilot solar panel program administered by the Chancellor's Office and the Department of General Services.

The program is intended to lower energy costs, promote renewable energy use and make CSU campuses more environmentally friendly. Engineering West was selected for the program because of low project costs and because its roof was already scheduled for replacement.

As part of a third-party power purchase agreement, contractor SunEdison will build, own, operate and maintain the new solar panel system. The group will also pay for costs associated with liability and system performance. Cal Poly will bear no expense and under the agreed rate structure can expect a modest cost savings over 20 years.

The contractor has received project approval from PG & E and the university has approved schematic designs. Construction is scheduled to begin August 1 and is expected to be completed in September.

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