Solar panels at St. Joseph Solar Farm, formerly part of the property of St. Joseph Farm.
Born from the collaboration between Notre Dame and Indiana Michigan Power, the St. Joseph Solar Farm provides power to the Michiana area. The University was a founding participant in the SJSF and helped make the project possible by agreeing to purchase 40% of the annual renewable energy certificates for thirty 30 years.
While the St. Joseph Solar Farm is off campus, solar arrays on campus include the Fitzpatrick Hall of Engineering solar panels, Stinson-Remick Hall solar panels, and the Kenmore solar array
In 2023, Notre Dame and the City of South Bend began construction on a 46,000-square-foot solar array on the west side of campus. The West Campus Solar Project will be surrounded by a mix of pollinator-friendly and native plants, yet another example of sustainable infrastructure working harmoniously with the ecosystem.
The West Campus Solar project will provide roughly 1% of the electricity for campus while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 600 to 700 tons annually. That’s equivalent to removing between 117 and 137 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles from the road. The panels will produce minimal glare thanks to an anti-reflective coating and traffic along 933 will not be impacted.
These solar projects will also provide educational and research opportunities and encourage economic development for those looking for green energy options to support their vision.
Consistent with its Catholic mission and values and Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical on climate change, Notre Dame subscribes to a vision and practice of sustainability that combines care for the natural environment with respect for long-term economic and social justice.