Lake Superior College, along with the University of Minnesota Duluth and seven other US colleges, was recently awarded a technical assistance grant to learn more about the technical feasibility and economic assessment of installing solar photovoltaics on their campus and satellite locations.

In support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot initiative, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) offered no-cost technical assistance to universities seeking to “go solar”. The program is designed to increase deployment of mid-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at universities, engage stakeholders to develop deployment solutions, and empower decision makers.

LSC will receive initial assessment of solar PV feasibility at their campuses using NREL’s REopt energy planning platform, including cost-effectiveness of solar PV installations, recommended system sizes, estimated capital costs to implement solar, and estimated life cycle cost savings. The results will help the campuses develop long-term energy plans that are cost-effective and reduce carbon emissions.

“The NREL solar assistance opportunity came along at exactly the right time,” said Kristi Heintz, Sustainability Coordinator at LSC.  “As LSC discusses its overall strategic plan for the coming years, we can concurrently develop our strategic energy future.”

Lake Superior College began compiling preliminary information in February and the assessment project will be complete by September 30th, 2016.