Renewable Energy Tracker
Clemons Library
On April 18, 2017, the Clemons Library solar array was completed, and operates with a capacity of 126 kW of AC electricity. Clemons Library provides a multitude of study spaces and educational resources for students, and is located on Central Grounds right next to Alderman Library.
The 7,530 square feet of panels across the roof accounts for approximately 15 percent of the library's annual power use and is avoiding the emission of 92 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. This is UVA's largest owned and operated solar project to date.
Governor McAuliffe symbolically cut a ribbon to unveil this solar project at the 2017 Earth Week Expo in Newcomb Hall. This project is part of Governor McAuliffe's initiative to increase the amount of solar power and solar-based jobs across Virginia.
Current solar production
Total solar production since February 8, 2017
Production
Total production: kWh
Average production: kW
After 6 hours at peak capacity, this solar installation is estimated to generate 756 kWh and save 563 kg of greenhouse gas emissions. This is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from:
- 1,379 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle
- 63 gallons of gasoline consumed
- 616 pounds of coal burned to generate energy
On a daily basis, the average US residential utility customer consumes approximately 30 kWh of electricity (emitting approximately 45 kg of greenhouse gas emissions), drives 37 miles, and uses approximately 4.5 gallons of gasoline and 41 lbs of coal.
1 kWh equals
Cooking in a 2,000 watt oven for half an hour
Environmental Savings from Total Solar Production to Date
metric tons of CO2 avoided
gallons of water saved
barrels of crude oil not used