Project demonstrates how educational institutions can lead in the transition to clean energy and achieve carbon neutrality goals.
Standard Solar has completed a 3.1 megawatt (MW-DC) solar project on Lehigh University’s (Lehigh) Goodman Campus in Pennsylvania.
The installation marks a significant milestone in the university’s efforts to achieve net carbon neutrality by 2040.
Acquired by Standard Solar after being initially developed by EDF Renewables, the project was constructed and completed in collaboration with EDF Renewables as the EPC provider. Standard Solar is the project’s long-term owner and operator.
The system is estimated to generate approximately 5,108 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy each year, supplying more than 100% of the Goodman Campus’s electrical power needs and offsetting 8% of the university’s total grid electricity consumption. Goodman Campus includes most of the university’s athletic and event facilities and is used by students, staff, faculty and the community.
“As someone who grew up in the area, it’s gratifying to support Lehigh in its mission to become a sustainability model in higher education,” said Eric Partyka, Director of Business Development, Standard Solar. “This solar installation not only delivers clean energy to the campus but also plays a critical role in advancing the university’s ambitious carbon neutrality goals. The project showcases the power of collaboration in driving real progress toward a more sustainable future.”
Joseph J. Helble, Lehigh’s President, said: “This solar installation is a critical step in our Pathway to Zero as outlined in our Climate Action Strategy.
“By investing in on-site renewable energy, we are not only reducing emissions but also providing valuable learning opportunities for our students.”
The single-axis tracker array will also offer hands-on research and learning opportunities for Lehigh students, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering sustainability leaders.
“This project is about more than energy production – it’s about educating the next generation of leaders who will create solutions for a sustainable future,” said Audrey McSain, Lehigh University’s Sustainability Director.
“By integrating this project into our campus operations and curriculum, we are preparing our students to be future makers who will address the climate challenges we face today and in the future.”
Myles Burnsed, Vice President, Strategic Development, Distribution-Scale Power, EDF Renewables, said: “Our expertise in designing, developing and constructing customized energy solutions for corporations and institutions has been a cornerstone of our service to customers for over a decade. This collective expertise reinforces our dedication to creating tailored solutions that meet the evolving and unique needs of our partners.”
Lehigh is the sole off-taker of the energy produced through a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Standard Solar. The installation also features an aesthetically designed landscape surrounding the array, integrating it into the broader campus environment and preserving the area’s natural beauty.
This project adds to Standard Solar’s growing portfolio of solar projects in Pennsylvania and underscores the company’s commitment to delivering renewable energy solutions for educational institutions.
