The University of Michigan has brought online two solar projects on its North Campus, as part of its Maize Rays initiative. The university aims to install 2.5 MW of solar across seven locations on its Ann Arbor and Dearborn campuses.
Dean Road Transportation Facility. Image credit: Benjamin Morse, Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation.
The arrays are designed behind-the meter, feeding power directly into the university’s own grid.
“These projects demonstrate continued momentum in building a more resilient and sustainable energy system for the university,” said Brian Hall, assistant vice president for utilities. “Each installation helps us reduce emissions, strengthen operational resilience, and expand the role of renewable energy across our campuses.”
The two newly online systems include a 730-kW rooftop and carport setup at the University of Michigan’s North Campus Administrative Complex and 1.2 MW installed at the Dean Road Transportation Facility.
These sites join the university’s first Maize Rays installations, including arrays at the North Campus Facilities Services Building (600 kW) and the Tony England Engineering Lab Building in Dearborn (500 kW).
The Maize Rays initiative directly supports the university’s broader campus energy transition goals, including efforts to eliminate Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions linked to purchased electricity.
“The continued expansion of Maize Rays reflects the university’s commitment to stewardship and energy transitions that are good for communities,” said Shana Weber, associate VP for campus sustainability and innovation. “These projects not only reduce risk associated with reliance on fossil fuels, but also create opportunities for learning and engagement across the university and broader community.”
The initiative is a collaboration among the Office of Campus Sustainability and Innovation, Facilities & Operations, Radial Power and student groups such as Students for Clean Energy.
