Pivot Energy and Joliet Junior College (JJC) announced today the completion and activation of a 1.3-megawatt (MW) onsite solar system at JJC’s Main Campus. The solar array, which consists of 3,542 solar panels, was installed by national solar developer Pivot Energy and will save the college more than $1.6 million in electricity expenses over 25 years.
Over the life of the solar system, it is estimated to produce 61,836,250 kilowatt hours of clean and reliable electricity, enough energy to power more than 5,000 Illinois homes. JJC is expected to offset its total energy consumption by 22.5%, making the campus one of the greenest in the state.
The panels were provided by retired Joliet oncologist Dr. Sarode Pundaleeka with Sunlarge Industries. Over the first 10 years, JJC will pay a reduced rate for the energy generated by the panels, after which they will be donated to the college.