Universidad del Azuay achieves energy autonomy with photovoltaic system

The University of Azuay (UDA) has achieved energy autonomy with the installation of solar panels on its campus, which consolidates the institution's commitment to sustainability and technological innovation.

Francisco Salgado, rector of the UDA, explained that around a thousand photovoltaic panels have been installed with a generation capacity of more than 500 kilowatts, which allows the university to operate with clean and renewable energy.

“Since 2019, we have been working on this project to achieve energy autonomy. Generally, university autonomy is associated with the relationship with the State, but for us it goes further, it implies the ability to generate our own energy,” said Salgado.

Sustainable Future

This project was scheduled to be completed in December 2025, however, due to severe drought and power outages, its implementation was accelerated and was completed in 2024. The solar panels, with a lifespan of 25 years, occupy an area of ​​XNUMX square meters.

"If we were to face a prolonged drought like the one in 2024, lasting almost six months, we would contribute to reducing up to 500 tons of CO2," added the rector.

Another aspect that has been considered is the architectural design to maintain the aesthetics of the "fifth façade", which combines the traditional terracotta color of Cuenca roofs with the modern graphite of solar panels.

The university has allocated around half a million dollars, which represents just over 1% of its annual budget. With the cost of solar panels having decreased since 2019 and their efficiency having increased (from 300 to 630 watts per panel), the institution expects to recoup the investment in approximately four years.

“The university has a clear ethic of caring for nature and we have tried to protect it and open new green spaces. Where there used to be parking lots, today we have gardens. It is the concept of caring for life and nature,” he said.

An additional benefit is the UDA's ability to inject surplus energy into the public grid, which varies according to the institution's consumption.

The project also has an educational component. Students of engineering, architecture and other disciplines have participated in the design and installation and will, in the future, maintain the panels to integrate theory with practice.

In all the roofs, the panels have a structure that allows water to flow through the channels for evacuation during the rainy season.

Water management

In parallel, the university has implemented a water management program. By using rainwater, groundwater and recycled water, the UDA has reduced its consumption of drinking water by 60%.

This system is used for watering gardens and for flushing toilets, thanks to a double water supply network. The campus's pools function as oxygenators for the water, optimising its reuse.

Expansion of the model

The photovoltaic energy production model is expected to go beyond the university campus. Currently, the University of Azuay (UDA) is collaborating with the Municipality of Cuenca to promote legislation that requires new buildings to have water reservoirs and solar panels, with the aim of promoting the sustainable use of resources throughout the city.

In the future, the UDA also seeks to replicate this project on other campuses, such as the 'Bicentenario' campus, where the 'La Asunción' Educational Unit operates. In this way, the University of Azuay positions itself as a benchmark in sustainability and demonstrates that science and technology can transform the reality of a city and its environment. (I)