The Implementation of Climate Neutrality Initiatives on University Campus: Large Scale Photovoltaic Project

By Kevin Whitten, Peter Mark Jansson, Phillip Castro and Peter Gorgas.

Published by The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability

Format	Price
Article: Print	$US10.00
Article: Electronic	$US5.00

Rowan University is a public institution of higher education in the State of New Jersey in the United States (US). The first institution to commit to climate neutrality in the state is now undertaking its first major capital project (over $40M USD) designed to bring its climate footprint towards its ultimate goal of zero by installing a 10-MW grid connected photovoltaic system (to be the 8th largest PV system in the US.) Using a public private partnership and a power purchase agreement the university will begin its major sustainability initiatives without spending any of its own capital resources. This first step is funded by a third party capable of taking advantage of federal tax incentives that this non-profit institution is not eligible for. Buying the system back in the future will enable the University to achieve reductions in its climate footprint now, achieve immediate energy savings and embark on cutting edge research and development at its South Jersey Technology Park location. This model is useful to other industries and organizations seeking to become sustainable at low or no cost. This paper describes the many benefits of the project and its role in the university’s quest for sustainability as a campus.

Keywords:	Sustainability, Photovoltaics, University Campus, Climate Neutrality, Power Purchase Agreement

The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability, Volume 7, Issue 2, pp.51-72. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Article: Electronic (PDF File; 2.041MB).

Kevin Whitten

Graduate Student, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA

Kevin Whitten is a recent graduate of the Electrical and Computer Engineering program at Rowan University. He currentl works for Ray Angelini, Inc. a large scale photovoltaic system design and installation company in southern New Jersey.

Dr. Peter Mark Jansson

Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA

Dr. Jansson is an Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rowan University in Glassboro, NJ USA. His research and teaching areas include DC/AC networks, power systems, advanced and renewable energy technologies (specifically photovoltaics and wind systems)as well as Mach’s Principle. He is also President and Principal Consultant for Integrated Systems an engineering firm specializing in renewable energy project engineering and optimization. He has published on many topics including active learning technologies, renewable energy projects and student clinic experiences. He spent nearly 20 years in the electric power industry before completing graduate work on innovation in the electric sector. He continues to involve students in discovery-driven clinic experiences as part of their graduate and undergraduate educational experiences.

Phillip Castro

Undergraduate Engineer, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA

Mr. Castro is a graduating Electrcal and Computer Engineer from Rowan University and currently works in the power industry for Atlantic City Electric, the university’s local distribution company.

Peter Gorgas

Undergraduate Engineer, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, New Jersey, USA

Mr Gorgas is an undergraduate senior civil and environmental engineer studying at Rowan University. He was responsible for CAD and system layouts on the project design.

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