CUA’s West Campus Solar Array Lights Up D.C. With Community Power

The Catholic University of America (CUA) turned open land on its West Campus into a large community solar project. It now sends clean energy to the campus and to D.C. residents. The university says it is the nation’s largest urban ground-mount community solar array, and it began producing power in summer 2024

Why it matters

• Scale: 7.5 MW (DC), with about 10,000 MWh generated each year. That’s a big boost for local clean energy. 
• Community first: More than 1,200 subscribers can get bill credits through D.C.’s community solar program. It eases energy costs. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Climate goals: The project supports D.C.’s push for 100% renewable energy by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050. 

At a glance

From parking lot plan to clean-energy hub

CUA once considered a parking lot for this land. But plans changed. The West Campus field now holds a solar array that powers the campus and helps the city. The site sits on a 40-acre parcel across Harewood Road, and the array occupies roughly 25 acres. It blends into the landscape and keeps many heritage trees in place. 

How the power helps people

The project delivers bill credits to subscribers through D.C.’s community solar rules. It aims at energy equity, so more families and nonprofits can share the benefits. Over 20 years, community subscribers are expected to save about $3.5 million. That’s real relief on real bills. 

Environmental impact

The university estimates the array avoids about 7,087 metric tons of greenhouse gases each year. That’s similar to taking around 1,541 cars off the road for a year, or avoiding emissions from roughly 797,000+ gallons of gasoline. It won’t solve climate change alone, but it pushes in the right direction. 

What’s under the hood

• Modules: ZNShine Solar panels.
• Inverters: Chint Power Systems (CPS) string inverters, 275 kW units.
• Racking: Solar FlexRack fixed-tilt system.

These choices fit the site’s slope and sun path. Panels sit at a low tilt and line up to reduce shade. It’s all pretty simple, but it works. 

Nature still has a place

CUA and partners tried to protect trees where possible. Wood from cleared trees was salvaged by the District’s Urban Forestry Division for benches and school projects. After construction, crews planted a pollinator meadow. Local beekeepers are adding hives. The site will grow into a living lab for ecology and energy. 

Learning by doing

The array doubles as a classroom. CUA built the project into its sustainability plan and courses. Students and local schools can visit, and university classes can track real-time energy data through a web platform. That makes lessons concrete. 

Built to serve for decades

The system includes two feeders and large transformers to handle power safely. Standard Solar owns and operates the array and provides long-term oversight. The company’s materials say the system supports both campus needs and community subscriptions, and it highlights the project as part of a broader portfolio. 

Voices from the launch

At the “Powering On” event in June 2024, CUA President Peter Kilpatrick called the project “a testament” to building a sustainable future and to education that sparks change. Standard Solar CEO Scott Wiater said the urban build was tough, but worth it for the region. Short and sweet: it’s a win-win. 

Bottom line

CUA took a rare open space in the city and built a shared energy resource. The array makes clean power, lowers bills, and offers a place to learn. It also backs D.C.’s climate targets. That’s not just good optics; it’s practical progress. For more project details and future updates, visit StandardSolar.com.