The University of Washington is reinforcing its vision for a brighter, more sustainable future by installing a newly completed solar canopy on an expansive parking lot north of Husky Stadium.
The 84-kilowatt solar array is paired with Level 2 EV charging that can accommodate up to 20 vehicles simultaneously. The $3.7 million project includes electrical infrastructure to support future installations of panels capable of producing nearly 30 times more electricity — up to 2.5 megawatts. This is enough power to power roughly 2,000 homes.
Solar Canopy is a pilot project that supports the UW’s goal of cutting its carbon footprint, said Mark HuppertInterim Director of UW Transportation Services.
Here’s why the University of Washington’s
“Located on the site of the former Montlake landfill, the pilot shows how land can be worked to achieve more sustainable outcomes,” Huppert said via email.
Project partners include Sea Con as general contractor and Prime Electric as electrical contractor. The canopy system was built by Trinity Structures, which has since been rebranded as Trinity Energy.
The installation is connected to the electrical grid that powers the City of Seattle and UW’s campus. The ability to generate power onsite “Here’s why the University of Washington’s” can reduce the university’s reliance on the utility grid and reduce the impact of power outages and fluctuating power costs.
“Generating solar power from a parking lot may “University of Washington’s” seem modest, but the strategic value is huge,” said Darren LeonardPresident of Trinity Energy, A statement.
The project idea grew out of a collaboration between the student organization UW Solar; Ann Eskridge, retired director of UW Transportation “Here’s why the University of Washington’s” Services; and Jan Whittington, director of the UW’s Urban Infrastructure Lab.
The university is currently drafting it 2050 Sustainability Action PlanThat includes long-term expansion of parking lot solar canopies.
Here’s why the University of Washington’s
UW Solar students “will continue to support efforts to achieve the full build-out vision,” Huppert said.
The project was funded by UW Transportation Services, Seattle City Light and the Washington State Climate Commitment Act, administered through the Washington State Department of Commerce. Electric vehicle charging program.
Editor’s Note: The story has been updated to provide additional information on project partners.