Half of Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus will now be powered by solar at peak performance after the University extended a previously existing power agreement.
The agreement, which took effect Monday, Sept. 1, is delivering an additional 625 kilowatts (kW) annually of clean energy through an installation on Staten Island.
Combined with the existing EnterSolar contracts and the panels already installed on campus, a total of about 3.6 megawatts (MW) of solar energy will now power Rose Hill’s campus. At peak performance, the remaining of 50% energy use on campus will continue to be powered by various sources through Consolidated Edison (Con Edison).
Fordham’s “NYC Carbon Challenge” initiative started in 2007, when the University pledged a 30% decrease in CO2 emissions from 2005 to 2030. To start the process, in September 2012, Fordham installed 250 kW of solar panels on top of the William D. Walsh Family Library. Then, in 2019, additional panels totaling approximately 1 MW were added to the roof of the parking garage.
In 2019, Fordham’s goal to decrease CO2 emissions changed from the previous 30% goal to 40%, in response to the New York City Local Law 97, which passed that same year.. The law, which set emission limits for big properties, required buildings larger than 25,000 square feet, including educational institutions, to cut CO2 emissions 40% by 2030, or risk facing annual fines.
In response to the law, Fordham signed a 20-year agreement with EnterSolar, granting 2.6 mW of solar from their 10-acre farm on Staten Island; about the size of eight football fields. Fordham does not directly own the Staten Island panels. Instead, it leases energy from EnterSolar.
Fordham signed its second 20-year lease with EnterSolar this past summer, providing 525 kW of energy. “With the solar agreements that we already have in place,” said Marco Valera, vice president for administration. “This will allow us to have roughly close to half of the electricity for the campus from a solar installation.”
Through this arrangement, Fordham saved “$153,000 over the past fiscal year,” and “over $1 million” over the past seven years according to Valera. Con Edison, is an energy company that provides utility to a large majority of New York, including Fordham. “Unfortunately, what we save from the current electric rates … [is] more than offset by the increase in electric rates coming out of Con Edison,” Valera said.
Standard solar panels degrade over time, losing about 0.5%-1% of efficiency each year. After 25 years, they function at about 80% capacity, which is a standard lifespan before being decommissioned. Disposal of the solar panels poses another challenge. Recycling panels can cost $20 to $40 each, while incineration and waste-site disposal can cost from $1 to $20.
Because of the costs, including maintenance and decommissioning, Fordham opted to lease solar panels rather than install more of its own. However, solar is still in consideration for future investments. “What I’m hoping is that at some point in time,” Valera said. “the price of panels will come down and again, make it feasible to install them.”
Some students support the investment despite its drawbacks. “It’s a step in the right direction. It’s what we need,” said Ayden Johnson, FCRH ’27, vice president of sustainability for United Student Government (USG).“We need to move away from fossil fuels.”
The agreement aligns with the USG Sustainability Committee’s dedication to making the university a “sustainable institution.” Johnson also described the plan as a temporary fix. “Much like things today, this is a short-term solution to a very long-term problem,” he said.
“The impact we’re getting from this, the savings are good, but we’re really doing this as part of our sustainability initiatives,” said Valera. “We actually expected to have a lot of support based on the solar in New York and New York City, but that market has dried up because the tax initiative and stuff aren’t there anymore.”
Aside from solar energy, Fordham is making changes to continue its commitment to sustainability according to its 2021 Climate Action Plan, including a uniform recycling program, ensuring new buildings are in compliance with the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, achieving a New Construction Silver rating and converting the Ram Van fleet to use biofuel.
Valera also said Fordham will continue exploring renewable energy options, including solar hot water heating for the Lombardi Center pool. Valera said that any new rooftop arrays are unlikely at the current price, and because of location constraints. “We don’t have a lot of rooftop space anymore,” he said. “So you need to have large installations to kind of pay off the cost.”
As of now, the Staten Island agreement pushes the University forward in its significant solar expansion. The agreement helps Fordham meet legal requirements to advance sustainability goals and offset rising energy costs.
