'Here Comes the Sun': UNE Celebrates Installation of New Biddeford Solar Array

The University of New England today unveiled a 321.6-kilowatt solar array atop its Harold Alfond Forum sports complex, representing its largest and most visible investment in renewable energy to date. 

The 804-panel array is projected to generate 353,531 kilowatt-hours annually — enough to power 32 area homes. This initiative marks a substantial reduction in carbon emissions, with the project slated to offset the equivalent of over 173 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year.

“This massive array turns (our renewable energy) vision into reality, the energy it generates represents a significant stride in our march toward sustainability,正规澳门赌场网络校长詹姆斯. Herbert said at a ceremony commemorating the array. “希望, our efforts encourage others to make similar investments in their own lives to minimize their environmental impact.”

The solar development — designed and installed by Revision Energy and Favreau Electric — is anticipated to produce the equivalent of nearly 3% of the Biddeford Campus’ annual electricity consumption. 

UNE currently owns and operates three additional photovoltaic arrays at its Maine campuses. 在波特兰, this includes a 12-panel system on Bishop Street; in Biddeford, 16 panels generate renewable energy atop the Danielle N. Ripich Commons, 54 panels adorn the Arthur P. 吉拉德海洋科学中心. 

These projects build upon UNE’s national reputation as a leader in sustainability. 这所大学已被命名 one of the nation’s most environmentally responsible colleges for seven consecutive years by The Princeton Review and this year was labeled one of the country’s top 50 eco-friendly colleges.

4月25日纪念活动现场. Clockwise: UNE President James Herbert and Associate Director of 可持续性 Alethea Cariddi, M.Ed., unveil a solar energy monitor; UNE leadership poses in front of the mural; Cariddi speaks to the crowd; Assistant Professor Will Kochtitzky, Ph.D., opens the ceremony; and the crowd listens to remarks.

排名反映了正规澳门赌场网络的排名 steadfast commitment to environmental stewardship, which includes a rich history of efforts like the adoption of the University’s first 气候行动计划 in 2010 and revision in 2017, the establishment of an interdisciplinary minor in Climate Change Studies 2015年，转型为a carbon-reduced portfolio for the University's endowment in 2021, the 2022 purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates to ameliorate the University’s carbon emissions in the equivalent of about 4,000吨二氧化碳.

“Recognition like this is important because it signals to prospective students and their families, 更广泛的缅因州社区, 以及我们的同行机构, how deeply we value the health of our planet,赫伯特说.

View media coverage of the solar unveiling

• Array of hundreds of solar panels unveiled at University of New England campus (WMTW新闻8)
• UNE unveils more than 800 solar panels on top of Harold Alfond Forum complex (wgme CBS 13)
• University of New England unveils new solar array on Biddeford campus (中美湾新闻)