MSU trustees approve largest solar array in Michigan

EAST LANSING — Michigan State University plans to outfit five of its parking lots with solar panel parking bays, creating what university officials say will be the largest solar array in the state.

The plan was approved unanimously by the Board of Trustees Friday. Searching for green energy sources, including solar, coincides with the university’s energy transition plan, said Wolfgang Bauer, an MSU physics professor and senior consultant with the Office of the Executive Vice President.

The solar array is expected to generate 10 megawatts of power, roughly 1/6 the amount used on campus during peak hours, he said. The parking bays will have more than 13 feet of clearance, meaning RVs and other tall vehicles will still be able to park under them during weekend tailgates.

Having the array spread across multiple parking lots is advantageous, he said. In the event of cloud coverage over one or more of the arrays, the T.B. Simon Power Plant will have time to send supplemental power to campus to ensure electricity needs are met, Bauer said.

“It’s a massive step forward,” said Bryn Williams, vice president for governmental affairs with the Associated Students of Michigan State University. MSU’s student government approved a resolution two years ago advocating the university halt its use of coal-fired energy.

“The university is really making strides toward the future,” he said, “and showing from the administration side that they are cognizant of what’s going on around the world with climate change.”

Bauer estimated the cost of the array will be between $25 and $30 million. While cheaper arrays exist, he said these solar panel bays have added benefits for people parking beneath them.

“The big thing is covering the parking lots,” he said. “Cars will be under a canopy, keeping them out of the sun and keeping off snow and rain.”

MSU adopted its energy transition plan in 2012. Last year, MSU President Lou Anna Simon announced the university would stop using coal to supply its electricity needs by the end of 2016 as part of the green initiative.

In filling the gap, the university is looking toward new and green sources of energy, Bauer said.

Bauer said he hopes to see construction on the array’s foundation begin over the winter break, adding that workers will also try not to disrupt parking in the lots during construction.

RJ Wolcott is a reporter for the Lansing State Journal. Contact him at 517-377-1026 or rwolcott@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @wolcottr.