SU President Emphasizes Benefits of Solar Project
In his message during the switch-on ceremony of the solar power facility in the campus last August 23, Silliman University (SU) President Dr. Ben Malayang III stressed the institution’s commitment for environmental preservation. He cited three significant purposes of the project: savings in energy costs of up to P18 million per year, a concrete example of the university’s pledge for the environment and a reminder of God’s presence. Located at the top of the Luce Auditorium, the facility is composed of several solar panels and is expected to produce about 60 kilowatts per hour. This is just one of the several solar facilities to be installed, part of the solarization project of the university in partnership with First Solar Orion Energy Solutions, Inc., and targets the production on 1.2 megawatts of total power.
SU Solar Power is not enough
Malayang admitted that the university cannot rely on solar power for base load because solar panels are dependent on the availability of light as energy source. But since most activities happen on daytime, these panels can contribute substantially to the institution’s energy mix. All in all, the project is a “win-win” situation for the university, its people and the environment. Savings generated from such activities will be reflected on less pressure on tuition and fees of students and provision of benefits to faculty and staff.