Feb. 24, 2025

Solar Power Use on Campus

Designing and building a LEED Silver certified campus is no easy feat, but it was a priority for Northern Water as part of its campus development efforts. The project allows the organization to demonstrate its commitment to efficiency and sustainability and lead by example to inspire others to do the same.

Among features like low-energy indoor light fixtures, daylighting sensors and natural light throughout the buildings is a 75-kilowatt solar energy system. This system was added to Building H during Phase I of campus development, which serves buildings H, F and K with 25-kilowatts of solar energy each. The 310 solar panels came online in late 2023 and have saved 154 megawatt-hours of energy over the past year, equating nearly $8,700.  

“The solar panels are contributing to lowering the cost of our electrical bills,” said Project Manager Amy Cook. “As a result, there is a 150-kilowatt system undergoing design for Building A, and there are plans to include solar power in the future for the Willow Creek campus.”

Solar panels on top of a building at Northern Water's Berthoud campus

Besides the benefit of cost savings, solar panels provide supplemental electricity to the facilities, significantly reducing energy consumption. The solar panels are also relatively low-maintenance and weather resistant, making them an even more attractive energy-saving solution. The solar panel installation was a part of the LEED certification process, fulfilling the renewable energy requirement.

According to the US Green Building Council, to achieve LEED certification, a project earns points by adhering to prerequisites and credits that address carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health and indoor environmental quality. Projects go through a verification and review process and are awarded points that correspond to a level of LEED certification. 

“Willow Creek campus in Granby earned a LEED Silver certification in 2023, and Phase I of Berthoud’s campus development is currently under review. Phase II of campus development will also be submitted for a LEED certification,” said Cook. Phase II included renovations and additions to the main Administration building, which was completed in June 2024.