Our Goals
Southern Oregon University (SOU) has set an ambitious goal to transform its campus by harnessing solar energy to fulfill 100% of its daytime electricity requirements. In achieving this goal, SOU will be the first public university in the U.S. to do this. This initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, revenue diversification and opens avenues for academic integration, offering students valuable hands-on experience in the renewable energy sector.
SOU’s goal is for a production capacity of 7.2 MW by 2035. The solar installations will be on rooftops and parking lots. The funding mechanisms anticipated are State and Federal funding, grants, philanthropy and Student Green Fund.
Our Solar Story So Far
Image above of solar production amount. Solar Production Sites: total kW is 455.46.
McLoughlin 73.7 kW; Shasta 82.5 kW; Stevenson Union 31.59 kW; Higher Education Center (HEC) 56 kW; Athletic Storage 49.68 kW; Farm Storage 15.48 kW; Hannon Library 68.37 kW; Lithia Motors Rec enter 54 kW; SOU Rec Storage 24.14 kW
As of the end of 2023, SOU has 9 solar arrays on campus, totaling 455 kW of solar capacity, plus an array at the Higher Education Center in Medford and a pole-mounted array installed last year by a nonprofit on land leased from SOU. SOU’s first solar array was installed on its Library in 2000. This 6kw solar array has 24 solar panels. In January 2019, SOU expanded and added an additional 55.65 kW of solar to the site. In the last 3 years, an additional 5 arrays have been added and funded through private investors, grants, the student body, and the University Administration. For the 9 arrays on campus, SOU currently generates around 6.5 % of its electricity use from solar.
To date, SOU’s solar panels have generated approximately 3,425,075 kWh, equivalent to a monetary saving of about $205,504.50. This remarkable feat highlights SOU’s proactive approach in the realm of renewable energy, echoing its commitment to sustainability.
The revenue generated from the solar electricity produced on campus, coupled with the rebates received, bolsters SOU’s financial sustainability and aids in reducing its GHG emissions. The funds accrued are then reinvested into further renewable energy projects, amplifying the university’s positive impact on both the campus and the wider community.
What’s Next?
Above is an architectural rendering of future solar projects on SOU’s campus.
Projects in the pipeline for 2024 and 2025 at SOU, include a further 340 kW rooftop solar and 330 kW parking lot solar installation on canopy structures. This will increase SOU’s solar generation by 86%. Further projects are being planned to continue to progress towards SOU’s goal of 100% daytime electricity use generated on campus from solar.
SOU’s progressive strides in solar energy production are a testament to its dedication to fostering a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. By harnessing the abundant sunlight in the region, SOU is actively diminishing its dependence on conventional energy sources, thus contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
Above is a rendered video depicting SOU’s further solar expansions over the next five years. These expansions will greatly increase the amount of clean and renewable energy SOU produces.
