SolarCity: High Powered Solar Panels in Dumaguete

Undeniably, Foundation University has recently earned the distinction as the first solar–powered academic institution in the whole Visayas region with an on-grid, zero battery system.

The project consultant, conveyed that the primary objective of the solar power project is to save energy and cost. It can be recalled that during first installation which began in the mid-year of 2014 and was completed within the same year, the solar project was able to cover 30% of energy needs at the North Campus, which houses Foundation Preparatory Academy – the basic education arm of the University.

It was in July 2017, solar panels were 100% installed in both the north and main campus.

The warranty for each panel lasts for 25 long years meanwhile the inverters life span will reach until 20 years.

As to best explain the project’s benefits, a comparison was made between the energy cost the whole university consumes before and after the implementation. The cost spent for electricity dropped from 30% to 40% per month.

With this type of alternative energy provider like the solar panels, the amount of power will vary on the weather condition but as documented, it usually covers 30% to 40% of the university’s energy consumption every month.

Since the University has an on grid with zero battery system, energy from the solar panels cannot be stored for a long period of time. Thus, it is the local energy provider that supplies energy during the night.

On the other hand, the solar project appears to be low in maintenance – another significant benefit. What needs to be done once or twice a month is the cleaning of the solar panels with detergent and water.

No major problem has been encountered with the system even with the unpredictable weather conditions, over the years, since the program started.

The solar project runs smoothly in providing the energy needs of the University – a considerable success, a good venture for the environment and a significant move to save monetary costs.

Three years ago, the solar power project of Foundation University kicked-off with the installation of solar panels at the North Campus.

As the years progressed, slowly the campus embraced the said renewable energy source from a smaller scale. And just months ago, phase 2 of the university’s solar project reached its completion phase and has been energized already.

At present, the solar powered facility covers 5400 square meters at the Main Campus and at the North Campus, running on 200 kw power off grid.

As the reigning most eco-friendly and sustainable school nationwide, the University aims to reduce carbon footprint in order to minimize environmental damage through solar energy - a reliable and viable renewable source of power.

The institution looks forward to the solar project’s long term impact in the future with  the huge possibility of extending to other communities by connecting them on the grid in order to solve the need of a sufficient, renewable and sustainable energy source.