EUGENE, Ore. -- Newly designed solar awnings are going up across the University of Oregon's campus, to provide a triple benefit of solar energy, passive cooling and daylighting.
If the awnings are a success, they could soon be replicated on all seven Oregon University System campuses.
Solar panels on the awnings will generate almost a kilowatt of electricity, while simultaneously providing shade to interiors.
The awnings were designed by an architecture professor at the University of Oregon and his students. Three local companies also helped with the $50,000 demonstration project.
The director of the University of Oregon's solar energy center will monitor the project's electricity savings and generation.
