As part of its growing commitment to using solar power, Cal State Long Beach announced the construction of a brand new carport solar system in Lot 7 on the south side of campus, and in Lot 14 in the northwest part of the campus.

In fact, the university will purchase the solar power produced by the 4.8 megawatt carport system—an amount of power that is expected to offset about 15 percent of the campus’ electrical load, according to a release.

“CSULB is proud to support California and the nation in our transition to clean and renewable energy sources to fight climate change and its negative effects on our students, staff and community by increasing our reliance on solar power,” said David Salazar, associate vice president of physical planning and facilities management in a statement.

According to the university release, the carport will provide 50 electrical vehicle charging stations and shade to the entire campus community, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2017.

The company producing the power, called SunPower, estimates the power gleaned from the system could charge 2,200 electric vehicles for 30 years or 1,200 average California homes per year. According to a release, the carport will be the largest power system to be installed on any of the 21 Cal State University system campuses.

The endeavor is part of CSULB President Jane Close Conoley’s commitment to reaching a goal of climate neutrality by 2030. She’s created a sustainability task force focused on this tasked, comprising students, faculty and staff. For more information on the task force and CSULB sustainability initiatives, click here.