Solar Programs

Solar Photovoltaic

In 2003 Loyola Marymount University installed $4.5 million worth of solar panels on three of its largest buildings - Gersten Pavilion, University Hall and the Von der Ahe Library. It was the largest solar electric rooftop system at any university in the world and the largest system in Southern California at the time. Due to an innovative partnership between LMU, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the Southern California Gas Company, and solar electric company PowerLight, the project expense was offset by rebates, resulting in an actual cost to the University of only $325,000.

Encompassing a combined 81,000 feet of rooftop, the total project generates roughly 880,000 kilowatt hours annually – producing enough clean electricity in the daytime to power more than 150 homes in the Los Angeles area and resulting in an annual reduction of carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to driving a car more than two million miles – or the amount that can be consumed by about 233 acres of trees annually.

Not only is the project consistent with LMU’s mission, it also has proven to be a sound business practice. By using on-site solar generation, LMU has been able to effectively integrate this solar electricity into its energy mix, thereby lowering operating costs and reducing purchases of expensive peak electricity. In addition to generating electricity, the solar roof system provides thermal insulation and protects the roof from weather and UV radiation, resulting in decreased heating and cooling energy costs and extended roof life. On average, the solar roof system saves the university more than $150,000 a year.

This fall, solar lighting was installed around the batting cages in the athletic complex. This project has been very well received by facilities personnel and student athletes, and the LMU community can look for more of these solar lighting fixtures to be installed in the near future.

Solar Thermal

Solar thermal energy is a technology for harnessing solar energy for heating. LMU currently has solar thermal arrays on four residential dormitories on campus: McKay, Desmond, Rosecrans, and Whelan Halls. The arrays collect solar energy which is then processed through heat exchangers and used for domestic hot water needs. Currently LMU is looking to upgrade its current system to a more efficient array using the latest technology, and expand its coverage to include additional residence halls, supplementing the university's hot-water system and providing heating for the swimming pool.