Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Overview
Cost per watt: 0
Project type: Tilted roof system
During spring semester of 2006, three students from course ATE 550 conducted a survey of 38 Tempe
campus rooftops. The survey, led by Professor Harvey Bryan, indicated that 25 of the 38 rooftops were
appropriate for some type of PV system. The study indicated a potential for solar production of more
than 4 MW on the 25 rooftops. However, since the study did not include all of the roofs and parking
structures at the Tempe campus, ASU facilities staff has estimated the total potential of solar energy to
be more than 7 MW and will take 3‐5 years to achieve.
In October 2007, ASU initiated plans to install a 150 kW PV system on the roof of Biodesign A and B.
This commitment to install the PV system on Biodesign A and B provided the necessary points for the
building to receive LEED‐Platinum certification – the first in Arizona.
In January 2008, ASU issued an RFP for solar developers to propose installation of developer‐owned
solar systems on ASU’s campuses. This solicitation resulted in ASU executing Master Agreements with
three solar developers in June 2008. They are as follows:
SolEquity (Now CarbonFree Technology)
Honeywell
Independent Energy Group (IEG)
For 2009 another developer‐owner, Arizona Public Service Energy Services (APSES), has become an
additional solar partner through a shared agreement with the University of Arizona.

