Gustavus’ New Solar Field to Provide Energy Source That Moves Campus Toward Sustainability Goals
Gustavus Adolphus held a ribbon cutting Tuesday to celebrate the launch of the Gustavus Solar Field, a new on-campus 1.1 megawatt D.C. solar field that will provide 10 percent of the campus’ electricity as it moves toward achieving its environmental sustainability goals.
The solar field, located on the south end of campus near Arbor View apartments, will also be used for student and faculty research projects involving data analysis, energy consumption and renewable energy innovation.
“This is a major step forward for Gustavus as we work toward achieving our sustainability goals,” Gustavus Adolphus President Rebecca M. Bergman said. “The Gustavus Solar Field will not only offset our carbon footprint but will help us make strides in researching energy solutions, enriching our students’ education, and helping us blaze new trails in this important space.”
Elected officials, project leaders and student advocates joined community members on Earth Day to officially celebrate the launch of the new solar field, which will produce the equivalent of powering Gustavus’ two largest residential communities — Southwest Hall and Norelius Hall. The project has been in the works for more than five years.
The solar field adds a significant amount of power. It will be 25 times larger than the campus’ current largest array, which is 40 kilowatts on Beck Hall.
In addition, Minnesota native shortgrass prairie will be planted underneath to establish habitat pollinators.
“This new solar field is another example of Gustavus leading the way, not only through environmental impact but through avenues of providing higher education opportunities,” said Shanon Nowell, Mayor of St. Peter. “It will positively impact our community, our region and our future generations.”
The newly established solar field will have the impact of offsetting 22,803 points of carbon dioxide. It will also include a live energy generation dashboard that will be implemented for educational and research purposes.
Gustavus Adolphus Colleges’ Johnson Center for Environmental Innovation and Facilities team partnered with the City of St. Peter, the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA), and Solar Connection Inc. to launch the solar field.
About Gustavus Adolphus College
Gustavus Adolphus College is a private liberal arts college in Saint Peter, Minnesota, that prepares its undergraduates for lives of leadership, service, and lifelong learning. Fully accredited and known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-away, and service-learning programs, Gustavus hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa and is internationally recognized for its annual Nobel Conference. For more information, visit www.gustavus.edu.
