TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Visitors to Arizona State University's (ASU) Tempe campus soon will be
shaded when parking in a lot adjacent to Sun Devil Stadium by an
innovative, patent-pending solar structure design that generates 2.1
megawatts (MW) of electricity.
NRG Energy has partnered with Arizona State University to provide an innovative 2.1 megawatt solar structure in a parking lot adjacent to Sun Devil Stadium. This rendering of the project is courtesy of Debartolo Architects.
This groundbreaking solar installation project marks the first
partnership between ASU and NRG Solar, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc.
(NYSE: NRG), which is expanding its portfolio of solar renewable energy
projects in Arizona.
The 5.25-acre PowerParasol™ design will cover 800 covered parking spaces
in lot 59, the university's largest blacktop surface parking lot
adjacent to Packard Stadium. Within the 25-year, $10.5-million
agreement, NRG will own and operate the PowerParasol™, and in exchange,
ASU will pay flat electricity rates during the term. Within three to
four years, the university should experience reduced electricity rates.
ASU also has the opportunity to reduce further the total project cost
through revenue streams including the ability to generate advertising
income made possible from signage that can be displayed on
eight-foot-wide lateral structural supports that stabilize the
PowerParasol™.
“Today marks another important step in the university's commitment to
renewable energy, sustainability and entrepreneurial initiative,” said
ASU President Michael Crow. “Our vision for the future of this
university involves innovation and technology – and we are fortunate to
have a partner like NRG that came to the table and made an investment
that made this project a reality.”
The initial PowerParasol™ project is the vision of Arizona-based
Strategic Solar Energy, LLC. Construction on the structure is slated to
begin in mid-August, 2011 and to be completed before the end of 2011.
In addition to shaded parking, the 24-foot-high PowerParasol™ also
provides nighttime lighting for better security and allows some natural
light to shine through, creating areas for landscaping and a
comfortable, functional environment. Cell phone antennas, security
cameras, and vehicle electrical charging stations also can be
incorporated into the PowerParasol™ design.
“We're happy to work with ASU on a project that is affordable,
aesthetically pleasing, environmentally forward thinking and enhances
the experience for visitors to the ASU campus,” said Tom Doyle,
President of NRG's Solar and West Region.
About NRG Energy and NRG Solar
NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 Index company, owns and
operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation
portfolios. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, the Company's power plants
provide more than 25,000 megawatts of generation capacity—enough to
supply approximately 20 million homes. NRG's retail businesses— Reliant
Energy and Green Mountain Energy Company—serve nearly 1.9 million
residential, business, commercial, and industrial customers.
NRG Solar LLC, a subsidiary of NRG, has more than 2,000 MW of
photovoltaic and solar thermal projects under development or in
construction across the southwestern United States. With major
investments in solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicle
infrastructure, NRG is working to help America transition to a clean
energy economy. More information is available at www.nrgenergy.com
and www.nrgsolarenergy.com.
About Strategic Solar Energy LLC
Strategic Solar Energy LLC, an Arizona based company, is focused on
creating innovative renewable energy technology solutions and
PowerParasol™ is the first such product. More information is available
at www.strategicsolarenergy.net.
About Arizona State University
Arizona State University is a New American University—a major public
educational institution, a premier research center and a leader in
innovation. Our vision is described by our three core principles:
excellence in scholarship, access to education and impact in our global
community. As a New American University, ASU is intellectually vibrant,
socially conscious and globally engaged.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6815683&lang=en
