Fresno State CUPR Renewable Energy

As part of the BIG CUPR project, solar photovoltaic (PV) canopies will be installed in parking lots 5 and 6. These canopies will generate 4.5 MW of electricity during peak hours, reducing campus reliance on the electrical grid. They will also provide shade to 1,500 cars and minimize vehicle idling. The PV systems cost-effectively maximize on-site electricity production with high efficiency panels oriented to face south, and leverage chiller plant infrastructure to store excess renewable energy. The optimized design increases reliability and reduces costs while maintaining generation output. The chiller plant and thermal energy storage infrastructure is used to store any excess renewable energy produced, so there is no additional cost of a backup energy storage system. PV generation provides a reduction in electricity import to the campus through on-site generation. When installation is complete, 20% of campus energy will come from a renewable resource. PV carport structures will be a visible display of the University’s commitment to sustainability. The PV carport structures will create shade for parking lots and provide renewable energy learning opportunities for students.

• Highlighted areas of the parking lots will be fenced and closed to cars during each phase.
• Parking and Facilities Departments will send out notifications prior to parking space closures and the electrical system shut down. 
• As construction continues, the previous phase locations will be reopened for parking (with newly installed solar PV canopies).
• Your car will benefit from parking in the shade, reducing air conditioning needs, and providing protection for your car from the elements.

Scroll through the images below to see the installation phasing for the solar PV canopies. Teal sections of the images indicate inaccessible fenced areas.

To learn more about the Central Utility Plant Replacement P3 Project and to see current construction updates, visit the link below.