The Challenge
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U of I) contracted with Sol Systems to build Solar Farm 2.0, a 12.3 MWdc solar farm that would help achieve U of I’s clean energy and sustainability commitments. To meet the University’s goals and to build the most eco-friendly solar project, Sol Systems partnered with Inovateus Solar for its reputation for sustainable engineering, construction, and procurement (EPC) services.
Our Solar SOlution
In cooperation with Sol Systems and U of I’s Facilities & Service teams, Inovateus designed and engineered Solar Farm 2.0 to be constructed with bifacial solar panels and single-axis trackers, maximizing energy production on the available land. Inovateus also planted pollinator-friendly ground cover with 6.5 million flowering plants and native grasses under the solar array, a future habitat that will support bees and butterflies. We also achieved nearly zero waste construction, preventing 45 tons of waste going to landfills by recycling nearly 94 percent of the project’s construction packaging, plastics, wood pallets, and other refuse.
The Result
“The use of innovative technology and land-use practices and strong, ongoing partnership between Sol Systems and the University of Illinois is what makes this project so remarkable,” said William Graves, Director of Originations at Sol Systems. “Solar Farm 2.0 is a marquee project not only for the university but also for the state of Illinois.” Sol Systems and Inovateus also worked with students in the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment’s campus wide sustainability minor to assess the carbon footprint of Solar Farm 2.0 from sourcing to installation. Sol Systems will use the reports, produced by the student groups as part of their Sustainability, Energy and Environment Fellows Program capstone, to assess potential sustainability improvements to all future projects.
