By The Keystone Newspaper New 4.6-megawatt solar panels serve as a new source of support
By Antonio Ieraci-Rivera
On Thursday, Sept. 24 the Kutztown University Foundation commenced on a new 4.6-megawatt solar array to be constructed west of Golden Bear Village South, a project that will enable the KUF to provide additional scholarships and resources to students. Construction of the solar array is expected to begin in October 2026, with its completion anticipated for Summer 2027.
The solar array will be located across 15 acres of KUF-owned land and will include approximately 8,000 bifacial solar panels. Once the solar panels are operational, they are expected to generate roughly 6.2 million kilowatt-hours of power in the first year.
Alex Ogeka, Executive Director of the KUF, emphasized the importance of unique funding solutions that will aid in the sustainability of students’ futures.
“As the needs of students continue to evolve, so must the ways we generate the resources to support them,” said Ogeka. “This project allows us to leverage an existing Foundation asset to create a new source of revenue that will benefit Kutztown University students for decades to come.”
Alongside the long-term financial impact of the project, it also represents a significant investment in renewable energy, expected to eliminate approximately 4,166 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. The solar array’s annual environmental impact can be compared to removing 1,000 passenger vehicles from the road, eliminating the use of 500,000 gallons of gasoline.
Seth Berry, the chief operating officer of Solar Renewable Energy, LLC (SRE) and KUF’s partner on the solar array project, said the array will demonstrate the potential for environmental and financial benefits from renewable energy projects.
“This project is an exciting example of how solar energy can create value well beyond the power it generates,” said Berry. “We are proud to partner with the Kutztown University Foundation on a project that will provide a significant source of renewable energy while creating lasting financial benefits for generations of Kutztown University students.”
For more information visit the Kutztown University Foundation visit kuf.org.