Upon completion of phase one, rooftops boasting solar panels will include the GIOS Building at 800 S. Cady Mall; Hayden Library near Orange Street and Union Drive; and the Student Services Building. The buildings for the second phase haven't been selected, but the panels will eventually take approximately 330,000 sf of rooftop space.

"We're limited to two megawatt installations in 2008 due to time and availability of utility company rebates this year," comments David Brixen, ASU's assistant vice president for capital facilities services. Brixen, who is overseeing the implementation of solar energy to all ASU campuses, says once the Tempe project is up and running, it should supply approximately 20% of the campus' energy consumption.

There are no up-front costs on the installations, as the contractors are making that investment. The panels are anticipated to generate approximately $425,000 worth of energy, while reducing the university's carbon emissions by 2,825 tons per year. ASU is contracting to purchase the power coming from its rooftops at a set price from Arizona Public Service for the next 15 years. Plans call for similar installations at other ASU campuses over the next several years.

Though costs savings on solar panels are high there is more to generating the energy than simply slapping panels on roofs. Brixen tells GlobeSt.com that the most desirable roofs for installation are those that are wide and relatively flat, and without a lot of equipment. "Tall structures can create shade, which might cause some problems," he adds. Brixen says in addition to being good for the environment, the solar panels will be a good long-term hedge against rising utility costs.