The Earth's climate is warming due largely to the anthropogenic release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. Energy production accounts for 38% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, and these could be reduced by increasing renewable energy production. Fort Lewis College has a total of 662,136 square feet of rooftop and parking lot space suitable for photovoltaic solar panels. If all available square footage were utilized, 6,621 kilowatts of electricity could be generated, replacing 33% of Fort Lewis's annual electricity purchases with renewable, locally-produced solar energy. This research paper proposes that Fort Lewis College enters into a solar power purchase agreement to avoid the large upfront costs of purchasing photovoltaic solar panels. By implementing large scale solar arrays on campus, Fort Lewis College can reduce annual energy costs and visually display commitment to the environment.
