Energy
Please stay tuned for more information about Solar, Geoexchange, Catawba's Resilience Plan, and the Philosophy of Ecological Thinking
Geoexchange Project
Geoexchange Project
Spring 2024
We’re adding a closed-loop geoexchange system to the College in our Chapel Circle green space.
Our geoexchange system will provide efficient, clean energy to heat and cool the library. This new system will reduce at least 265 MMBTU of fossil gas and 145,724 kWh of purchased electrical energy usage each year. The carbon emissions associated with these savings equal 51 metric tons, or 11.3 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year.
Solar Shelters
Solar Shelters
Catawba College is the first customer in the world for Spotlight Solar’s Haven Solar Shelters.
The North Carolina made Havens use bifacial solar panels to create electricity that is stored in batteries under the table top and lights that come on automatically in the evenings. Each one has sixteen different power options providing up to 605 watts of electricity, including four wireless charging pads, four 120V outlets, four USB A outlets, and four USB C outlets.
Two fully operational Havens are installed in Stanback Plaza, and three more are coming soon at the Library, Shuford Science Building, and near the Beach Volleyball courts.
By the Numbers
| 837 kW of on-campus solar installations | >200 tons of food waste composted since 2015 | 0 net greenhouse gas emissions |
Project Overview
The campus-wide solar installations at Catawba College include solar electric systems, solar water heating systems, campus-wide water fixture replacements and extra roof insulation.
Photovoltaic panels use solar energy to serve the campus or send power back to the grid.
Solar thermal collectors use solar energy to generate heat, which is then used for hot water.
