First two Maize Rays solar arrays now operating on North Campus

On Sept. 17, the first phase of the University of Michigan’s Maize Rays initiative began with two new solar arrays generating power on North Campus.

The initiative plans to add 25 megawatts of renewable energy across the University to lower its carbon footprint and expand solar function across all three campuses. The initiative, announced in May, is a part of the University’s commitment to renewable energy and its carbon neutrality goal.

Twenty-five megawatts of carbon solar power is equivalent to powering roughly 3,000 homes. Brian Hall, assistant vice president of utilities , emphasized the scale and impact of the project in an interview with The Michigan Daily.

“Our goal of 25 megawatts over three years is actually a significant investment in on campus solar that will actually