The Tempe campus of Arizona State University (ASU) will soon have shaded parking lots that sport a novel and patent-pending structural design and produce 2.1 MW of electric power. The parking lot remains close to Sun Devil Stadium of the University.
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.
The proposed solar project is a result of the first every joint venture between NRG Solar, an auxiliary of NRG Energy which is augmenting its solar energy portfolio, and ASU. The proposed PowerParasol design has been planned over an area of 5.25 A will provide cover for around 800 parking lots in lot 59 the largest blacktop surfaced parking space of the University that is present next to Packard Stadium.
The $10.5-million accord reached between the NRG and the ASU will require NRG to invest, own and manage the PowerParasol facility for a period of 25 years while ASU will pay for the power utilized by it. The agreement will enable the University to cut down its spending on electricity in a period of three to four years. ASU also has the prospect of bringing down the total investment in the project by creating other revenue streams such as advertising. The 8 ft wide lateral construction with supports keeps the PowerParasol steady providing a perfect opportunity to design a signage.
The 24 ft high PowerParasol also provides shades to the parking lot, powers night time lighting for security and allows natural light to shine through the installation. The solar installation also provides scope for inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations, security cameras and cell phone antennas.
The construction on the erected structures is anticipated to commence in mid August and slated for completion before the end of the year 2011.