Design and Evaluation of a Solar Campus Model for Energy Efficiency and Environmental Sustainability

The transition to clean energy sources has been recognized as essential for mitigating climate change, and higher education institutions (HEIs) play a key role in promoting regional sustainability. In this context, the UCATECI Solar Campus Project represented a strategic initiative aimed at reducing the carbon footprint within the Dominican education sector. The objective of this study was to describe the implementation of the UCATECI Solar Campus photovoltaic system and evaluate its initial impact on energy efficiency and emissions reduction. A descriptive methodology was applied, based on monitoring the system installed on the university campus in La Vega, Dominican Republic. The system consisted of 1920 solar panels and 17 inverters, with an installed capacity of 624.85 kilowatts peak (kWp). Energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions were evaluated before and after the replacement of conventional equipment with high-efficiency technologies, including inverter-based systems and LED lighting. The results showed a reduction in annual energy consumption from 1,200,000 kWh to 840,000 kWh (？30%), photovoltaic generation of 820,000 kWh/year, a self-consumption rate of 68%, and a reduction in emissions of approximately 467 t CO2/year. The investment represented approximately 35% of the institutional budget, reflecting a strong strategic commitment to sustainability. In conclusion, the UCATECI Solar Campus Project constituted a successful and replicable model of energy transition for higher education institutions, demonstrating sustainability and adaptability.