GW Residence Halls Implementing Solar Power

On Monday, GW announced its plan to have solar thermal systems implemented in three residence halls this year. The systems work by converting sunlight into thermal energy which is sent to a hot water tank pumped out to be used by residents of the building.

This initiative, part of GW's 2010 Climate Action Plan, will make the university the largest source of on-site solar power in the district.

Skyline, a local solar energy company, is covering the costs and doing the installation after which GW will pay Skyline for the hotwater the systems produce. The system will be installed in Building JJ this semester and Ivory Tower and 1959 E Street this spring.

The systems will reduce approximately 70 tons of carbon annually, which is equal to planting 70 trees every year.