Franklin Pierce University Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Solar Panel Array Project
Apr 21, 2022
Franklin Pierce University celebrated the latest effort to help the institution reduce its carbon footprint with a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of solar panels on the roof of the Fieldhouse. The recently completed project was spearheaded by the University’s Institute for Climate Action on the Rindge Campus and is tied to the sustainability goals as outlined in the University’s strategic plan, Pierce@60.
“This event is a great opportunity to both celebrate a significant achievement, our biggest project yet to reduce our carbon footprint, but also to refocus our efforts on continued progress,” Dr. Rhine Singleton, professor of biology and environmental science. In order to avoid the worst consequences of climate change, we - the global human population - need to reduce our fossil fuel use by 50% by the end of the decade, and continue to reduce beyond that. That’s why projects like this are so exciting and encouraging.”
Working alongside Director of Facilities Doug Lear, the Institute for Climate Action used data from a recently completed energy audit to inform discussions about possible locations for photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on the Rindge Campus. In mid-2020, the University entered into a partnership agreement with Revision Energy which allowed for installation of the 490 solar panels to begin. Over the last year, the University worked tirelessly to finalize approvals from Eversource Energy and project investors. Since then, the 162 KW solar array has helped reduce the University’s energy use, and adds to the other efforts already underway to improve energy efficiency, including upgrading to LED lighting throughout campus.
“As we celebrate Earth Week, it is appropriate that we celebrate Franklin Pierce’s largest project, thus far, that helps the University reduce our carbon footprint,” shared Dr. Catherine Paden, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “I would like to thank Dan Weeks and Revision Energy for their partnership on this project. I would also like to thank members of the FPU community – Doug Lear and facilities staff, the Institute for Climate Action, and FPU students – who made this happen.”
Joining Provost Paden and Professor Singleton at the ribbon cutting was Dan Weeks, vice president of business development at Revision Energy, Doug Lear, director of facilities, and Ken Clarke of the University’s College of Business.
In addition to the panels, an EV charging station has been installed outside of the College of Business, providing free vehicle charging for faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
