Solar panels now helping power Lewis University in Romeoville

Lewis University officials recently dedicated its new 1-megawatt solar array at its Romeoville campus.

The 2,612 panels across five acres of land are supplying the 410-acre campus with up to 7% of its power, according to a university news release.

“As a Catholic university and leader in sustainability education, research and operations, we’re excited to begin this renewable energy project that augments our commitment to being good stewards of God’s creation,” David Livingston, president of Lewis University, said in the release.

The university said it hopes the project will provide a transformative experience for its students as they learn and live in a solar-powered space. Electrical engineering, computer science and environmental science students are expected to gain valuable field experience as they have access to the solar array to learn the operations of the system and conduct research.

Livingston also thanked Dr. Sarode Pundaleeka, a member of Lewis University’s Board of Trustees, for his contribution to the project and Pivot Energy for installing the panels.

The university dedicated the solar array in honor of Brother James Gaffney, president emeritus of Lewis University, who oversaw several sustainability initiatives during his tenure which earned the university many honors for environmental friendliness.

Lewis University offers undergraduate and graduate programs to about 6,300 students.