CLC expands solar energy on campus

GRAYSLAKE – College of Lake County’s new science building is among the greenest buildings in Illinois, but it doesn’t stop there.

The college is expanding solar energy on campus this fall. Verde Solutions will install solar panels on two acres of land on the west side of the campus and atop the roofs of six buildings. Once complete, the college will receive nearly 20% of its electricity needs from these solar installations.

Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act of 2016, the college was able to finance the solar development through a power purchase agreement with Verde Solutions. There was no upfront cost for the installation of the solar panels, and CLC will save about $32,000 a year buying greener power generated from the panels. After 20 years, the college will own the solar panels.

“Solar energy is much cleaner and greener than traditional sources of electricity,” CLC sustainability manager David Husemoller said. “The college set the goal of carbon neutrality by 2042 and growing solar energy on campus will help us meet our climate goals and leave a greener legacy for future generations.”

CLC is committed to conserving resources, reducing its carbon footprint and inspiring its students to become innovative problem solvers. The campus hosts a sustainability trail with interpretive signage to help visitors appreciate innovation in practice.