Page 34 - Southern Oregon Magazine Fall 2018

buzz | tidbits
WHAT’S NEW cont...

NEWS AT SOU

OUTLOOK IS SUNNY FOR SOLAR

outhern Oregon University’s solar power prospects will
Sbecome considerably brighter this fall, with the installations of
three new photovoltaic arrays and a 57-percent increase in gen-
erating capacity. “It’s a unique and thrilling opportunity to have
three solar arrays installed this year, furthering SOU's commit-
ment to implementing sustainable solutions,” says Roxane Beigel-
Coryell, SOU’s sustainability and recycling coordinator.
Expanding solar energy production on campus is one of many Library. “The solar (array) being installed on the library is especially
strategies SOU is pursuing to reduce its environmental impacts exciting because it’s made possible through a unique funding model
and build a better university for the future. The university is com- proposed by SOU students,” Beigel-Coryell said. “This project will
mitted to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving carbon provide the university with more renewable energy generation while
neutrality by 2050. After this fall’s solar projects are completed, providing the student Green Fund with revenue each year to fund
SOU will have eight arrays on seven buildings with total capacity more sustainable projects on campus. We haven't seen this particular
of 391.45 kilowatts. The anticipated solar energy generation will funding structure used on any campuses yet and we hope to serve as a
help reduce the university’s utility bills. model for other schools.
Next up will be a 180-panel installation on the Student Recreation www.sou.edu
Center. The third project will be at the university’s Hannon

32 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2018