Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google


U California Davis Goes Solar

The University of California, Davis has completed construction of a 16.3-megawatt solar power plant that will produce approximately 14 percent of the university's electricity needs.

The new plant "is the largest solar installation in the UC system and the largest 'behind the meter' solar plant on a U.S. college campus off-setting electricity demand," according to a news release. "The university expects to reduce the campus' carbon footprint by 9 percent, or 14,000 metric tons, as a result of the system."

Designed, built, owned and operated by SunPower, the installation features the company's Oasis Power Plant system and robotic panel cleaning technology designed to reduce water usage by 75 percent and increase system efficiency by as much as 15 percent.

"This is a compelling example of how, with partners such as SunPower, we at UC Davis are reducing our carbon footprint," said P.B. Katehi, UC Davis chancellor, in a prepared statement. "By taking steps to aggressively reduce our carbon emissions, we can set an example to the nation and the world of what can be achieved when we combine political will with science and innovation."

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • row of digital padlocks

    2026 Cybersecurity Trends to Watch in Higher Education

    In an open call last month, we asked education and industry leaders for their predictions on the cybersecurity landscape for schools, districts, colleges, and universities in 2026. Here's what they told us.

  • Abstract digital cloudscape of glowing interconnected clouds and radiant lines

    Cloud Complexity Outpacing Human Defenses, Report Warns

    According to the 2026 Cloud Security Report from Fortinet, while cloud security budgets are rising, 66% of organizations lack confidence in real-time threat detection across increasingly complex multi-cloud environments, with identity risks, tool sprawl, and fragmented visibility creating persistent operational gaps despite significant investment increases.

  • glowing brain above stacked coins

    The Higher Ed Playbook for AI Affordability

    Fulfilling the promise of AI in higher education does not require massive budgets or radical reinvention. By leveraging existing infrastructure, embracing edge and localized AI, collaborating across institutions, and embedding AI thoughtfully across the enterprise, universities can move from experimentation to impact.

  • Wireless network and connection abstract data background with wifi symbol

    Georgetown Partners with Cisco on Large WiFi 7 Rollout

    Georgetown University is working with Cisco on a multi-year network revamp that will implement WiFi 7 across the institution's classrooms, dorms, stadiums, and beyond.