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Agnes Scott College overcomes challenges as the first nonprofit to produce solar power through Georgia Power’s Advanced Solar Initiative
Southface Energy Institute and Agnes Scott College released a case study that reveals how the college became the first nonprofit institution to produce solar power through the Georgia Power Advanced Solar Initiative (GPASI). This case study, funded by the Turner Foundation, offers specific insight into creative approaches to overcome the challenges to solar power projects. The publication will assist not only colleges and universities struggling to provide renewable energy on campus but also nonprofit organizations that lack the upfront resources to fund solar initiatives.
Located in Decatur, Georgia, Agnes Scott is a nonprofit liberal arts college for women that recently celebrated its 125th anniversary. In January 2015, the college completed the installation of five solar photovoltaic arrays, which now produce 342,200 kW hours per year which is enough clean, carbon-free energy to power 31 average-sized U.S. homes. The arrays are part of the college’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint and become carbon neutral by 2037.
The college’s president, Elizabeth Kiss, said that finding innovative solutions to fight climate change fits squarely within the college’s mission “to educate women to think deeply, live honorably and engage the social and intellectual challenges of their time.”
The case study provides detailed information on the technical aspects of each project. Specifically it covers the creative financing, innovative design and strong partnerships that led to this major success story in solar installation. Links in the case study provide additional information, including a sample lease for solar projects funded by investors but located on land or buildings owned by a nonprofit.
“These projects show what can be done in Georgia and the Southeast if colleges and universities, as well as nonprofit organizations of all types, have the incentives and support that they need to be creative with renewable energy options,” said Creech. “The Agnes Scott story is, no doubt, a critical step in the efforts to address climate change across the region.”
To access the case study, go to: www.southface.org/agnesscott/Solar-Case-Study.pdf.
About Southface:
Southface is the Southeast's nonprofit leader in the promotion of sustainable homes, workplaces and communities through education, research, advocacy and technical assistance. Learn more at www.southface.org.
About Sustainability Efforts Agnes Scott College:
For more about renewable energy and other sustainability efforts at Agnes Scott, visit: www.agnesscott.edu/sustainability.
Agnes Scott College educates women to think deeply, live honorably and engage the intellectual and social challenges of their times. Students are drawn to Agnes Scott by its excellent academic reputation, exceptional faculty and metropolitan Atlanta location—offering myriad social, cultural and experiential learning opportunities. This highly selective liberal arts college is known for its diverse and dynamic intellectual community. Through SUMMIT, it provides every student, regardless of major, with an individualized course of study and co-curricular experiences that develop leadership abilities and understanding of complex global dynamics. Visit agnesscott.edu to learn more.
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