An energy-saving project years in the making is about to see the light of day as the University of Wisconsin–Superior prepares to activate its new solar array.

The 440-kilowatt, ground-mounted photovoltaic array was installed this summer southwest of Ross Hall on land formerly used as soccer fields, which became available after the construction of the new SCCU Stadium. Completed in July, the project included the installation of new solar panels, inverters, a combiner panel, a medium-voltage transformer, and a medium-voltage switch.

The solar array is expected to begin generating electricity in May.

“The campus needed to undertake a renewable energy project and a solar array was selected to provide relief to utilities costs,” said Jeff Kahler, UW-Superior vice chancellor of administration and finance. “The new solar array will reduce demand on the grid and electrical utility costs across campus.”

Once operational, the array will help UW–Superior meet its energy-reduction goals and is projected to save approximately 500,000 kWh each year. These energy conservation measures are expected to reduce annual energy costs by about $45,000, with a simple payback period of 16 years – meeting the state energy fund requirement of either a 16-year simple payback or a 20-year payback at a 5.25-percent bond rate and 3-percent inflation.