The University of Washington has finished construction on a solar canopy installation situated in a large parking area adjacent to Husky Stadium’s northern side. This environmentally focused initiative represents a significant step toward the institution’s sustainability objectives.
The installation features an 84-kilowatt solar panel array working in conjunction with Level 2 electric vehicle charging infrastructure that can service 20 cars at once. With a total investment of $3.7 million, the project also incorporates electrical systems designed to accommodate future expansion of solar panels that could generate nearly 2.5 megawatts of electricity — sufficient to supply power to approximately 2,000 residential properties.
Mark Huppert, who serves as interim director of UW Transportation Services, characterized the solar canopy as a pilot initiative advancing the university’s carbon reduction targets. He noted in an email that the project demonstrates innovative land use on what was previously the Montlake landfill site, showing how such locations can contribute to sustainability objectives.
Seattle-based clean energy firm Trinity Energy collaborated with the university to bring the project to fruition. Darin Leonard, who leads Trinity Energy as president, emphasized in a public statement that while producing solar energy from parking facilities might seem unremarkable, the strategic importance is substantial.
The system connects to both Seattle’s municipal electrical grid and the campus power network. According to Trinity, this onsite generation capability allows the university to decrease its dependence on utility providers while mitigating risks associated with power interruptions and variable energy prices.
The project originated from cooperative efforts involving UW Solar, a student-led organization; Anne Eskridge, former director of UW Transportation Services; and Jan Whittington, who directs the university’s Urban Infrastructure Lab.
Currently, the university is developing its 2050 Sustainability Action Plan, which incorporates provisions for long-term expansion of the parking lot solar canopy systems. Huppert indicated that UW Solar students plan to remain involved in efforts to realize the complete buildout vision.
Financial support for the project came from multiple sources, including UW Transportation Services, Seattle City Light, and Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act funds, which were
distributed through the Washington State Department of Commerce’s electric vehicle charging program.
The location of the installation on the former Montlake landfill site adds another dimension to the project’s significance, transforming previously used land into an active generator of clean energy. The dual-purpose infrastructure provides both renewable power generation and supports the growing transition to electric vehicles among university community members.
The substantial electrical infrastructure investment positions the university to dramatically scale up its solar capacity in future phases. The potential expansion to 2.5 megawatts would represent a roughly 30-fold increase from the current 84-kilowatt capacity, marking a considerable leap in renewable energy production.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts by educational
institutions nationwide to reduce environmental impact and demonstrate leadership in sustainability. By converting parking facilities into energy-producing assets, the university maximizes land utility while advancing climate action goals. The integration of EV charging stations further supports the shift away from fossil fuel-dependent transportation.
The ongoing involvement of student organizations like UW Solar ensures that future generations of campus community members will continue championing and expanding these sustainability initiatives as the university works toward its long-term environmental commitments outlined in the forthcoming 2050 Sustainability Action Plan.