DOI awards $2.2M to GCC to increase its campus solar electric production

Guam Community College was awarded $2.2 million from the Department of Interior Office of Insular Affairs, through the Office of the Governor, to install additional solar panels and batteries at its Mangilao campus. With the additional solar panels, GCC’s solar electric production will eclipse 650kW, meeting more than 35% of GCC’s campus wide electrical demand.

The solar panels will be placed on Building 1000 and Building D. In addition to putting solar panels on the roof, which will help shield the buildings from the sun’s heat, some panels will be placed in the parking lot next to the buildings. The parking lot solar panels will serve a dual purpose: They will provide a convenient carport while generating power for the buildings.

The new system installation will fully power Building D, making it the first carbon net-zero building on the GCC Campus. Additionally, using the parking lot to install the panels does not require removing any trees or vegetation to install the new system.

Currently, the college has 12 grid-tied photovoltaic systems generating between 10 and 50kW per system. GCC also has integrated solar water heaters and streetlights throughout the campus. More than 90% of the campus streetlights are solar-powered. Campus solar lighting systems have been in operation for 10 years.

Dr. Mary Okada, president of GCC, said. “GCC is all about sustainability. Not only do we look to the future, the environment, and climate change, but we also consider the economics and the return on investment in our facilities. This grant will allow us to save over $3 million in the next 20 years, not including any projected electric cost increases. These savings ultimately allow GCC to keep tuition rates low to ensure that everyone has an opportunity in postsecondary education.” (PR)

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