URI 3.0

Kearsarge URI Parking Canopy (University of Rhode Island)

About the Project:

The URI Solar canopy array is a 1.48 MW DC / 1 MW AC renewable energy facility. Expected to produce approximately 1.8 million kWh annually, URI receives 100% of the virtual net metering credits created by the system. Kearsarge’s innovative financing package, which included tax equity, allowed the University to realize an up-front payment which funded the development of the parking lot.

The project turned underutilized parking real estate into an energy producing asset, while providing a safe, well-lighted shelter from sun, rain, and snow for URI's commuters’ vehicles. The array is one of the largest solar canopy arrays in the state to date and was expressly engineered to avoid encroaching on adjacent softball and soccer fields. Because the project was designed in close coordination with the University of Rhode Island, its specific needs were seamlessly included in the final canopy Construction.

  •   Size: 1.5 MW DC

  • Approximate Annual Production: 1,851,994 kWh

  • Annual Carbon Dioxide Offset: 1,371 tons

  • Number of Average Homes’ Electricity Use Annually: 259