On July 17, CSU officially installed the 221-kWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System atop the Hinang, Masawa, and Hiraya buildings, marking a major milestone in the university’s ongoing pursuit of sustainability and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. This project now serves as one of the attestations to President Daguil’s long-term vision of transitioning toward a renewable energy-powered and energy-efficient campus.
Acquiring the Solar PV System
The project began with the integration of green energy priorities into the university’s strategic plan, known as the Hiraya’28, which is anchored with the LIKHA Agenda. It involved submitting proposals to various funding agencies and implementing initiatives to generate fiscal savings through Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
Funded through a Php 3.5M allocation from the CHED-IDIGs’ Php 10M grant, the university initially procured inverters and 40 units of 550-watt Solar PV panels to support research and innovation efforts. Building on this foundation, CSU further invested Php 4M in an additional 340 PV panels, also rated at 550 watts each, raising the system’s total installed capacity to 221 kW. This renewable energy installation is expected to reduce the university’s monthly electricity expenses by up to 15%. Plans and activities are in place to maximize the full capacity of the inverter up to 300 kWp through additional Solar PV panels next year.
Sustainable energy in the university’s educational design
More than an infrastructure upgrade, the Solar PV System functions as a living laboratory for students and faculty in programs such as BSEcE, BSEE, BSABE, BSES, BSIT, and BSCS. It supports hands-on research in renewable energy generation, automation in energy harvesting and distribution, and real-world application of academic instruction. By integrating this technology into its curriculum, CSU strengthens its position as a regional leader in sustainable campus development.
Additionally, the project opens opportunities for offering TESDA-accredited courses in renewable energy, further solidifying the university’s role as a key promoter of green energy solutions in the Caraga region.
Making CSU a ‘greener’ university, one panel and a time.
At present, the university is implementing several renewable energy (RE) projects across its campuses, all funded by the national government through the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). These include the procurement of two 100-kWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems – one at the new Ladies’ Dormitory in the CSU Butuan City Campus and another at the Cabadbaran City Campus. Additional initiatives include the ongoing procurement of solar-powered streetlights around the Ladies’ and Gents’ Dormitories, as well as a 60-unit solar-powered perimeter lighting system. The latter is being implemented through a research-based project, further strengthening CSU’s commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
This significant achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of partner agencies, including DBM, CHED, and other government agencies, as well as the strong support of the CSU administration and its community. These developments further reinforce CSU’s commitment to creating a sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible campus environment.
