![Solar panel installation on roof of Kilgour]()
Carroll University’s Green Task Force, a group started in 2015 to promote environmental sustainability and awareness on campus, recently spearheaded the installation of 52 solar panels on the roof of Kilgour Hall. The panels will generate approximately 18 percent of the dormitory’s annual energy, providing a small cost saving to the university.
The chair of the Green Task Force and associate vice president for finance and administration, Deidre Erwin, commented on the solar panels and other impactful projects that have been initiated by the group.
“The task force’s mission blends sustainability and awareness with cost savings. In addition to funding the solar installation, the Green Task Force has funded LED lighting on campus and stickers for recycling containers.”
What began with stickers and campus lighting soon moved to the over $40,000 solar panel project, funding for which was raised over the past two years through energy rebates.
The roof of Kilgour Hall was specifically chosen over those of more historical buildings on campus due to its recent construction and excellent sun exposure. The solar panels will then be able to operate unobstructed for a significant period until the dorm’s next needed renovation. View photos of the solar panel installation on Flickr.
“The Kilgour installation will eliminate the equivalent greenhouse gas emissions of 3.8 passenger vehicles driven for one year,” remarked Erwin, stating that the panels will also, “…eliminate the equivalent CO2 emissions of providing 1.9 homes’ energy usage for one year.” See up-to-date statistics on the Kilgour Hall array including current power generation and carbon offsets.
Erwin also connected the solar installation initiative to one of the tenets of Carroll’s Ethos Statement, stewardship.
“Stewardship: We will cultivate and care for our human, natural and material resources with gratitude, responsibility and accountability.”
Learn more about Carroll’s environmental sustainability efforts and academics