July 2024

The future is looking bright!

Elektron Solar Ribbon Cutting

A group of people from UVU holding a UVU flag with the Elektron Solar farm in the background

Elektron Solar Ribbon Cutting | 24 June 2024 | Grantsville, Utah. | Photo credit: Daniel Horns

From left to right: Kaleb Rodriguez, Emme Uwase, Daniel Horns, Diana Molina, Ivy Allred, Gabriela Nava, Diego Martinez Cardenas, and Sarah Bateman.

This year's summer solstice celebrating the sun was made a little more significant for Wolverines. Just a few days after the sun's annual milestone in its journey across the sky (yes, we know that technically, it's the earth's journey in relation to the sun), we celebrated the completion of the Elektron Solar Project, which will harvest the power of the sun and, in turn, power UVU.

The Elektron Solar Project was a joint agreement with Salt Lake City, Park City, Summit County, Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, and Utah Valley University to build a solar farm in Grantsville, Tooele County, Utah. After a few delays (e.g., supply chain issues), it is now online and will generate approximately 92% of UVU's electricity usage.

Among the Wolverines attending the ribbon cutting on Monday, 24 June, were the Dean of the College of Science, Dr. Daniel Horns, the Sustainability Outreach Program Manager, Sarah Bateman, and UVU students Ivy Allred, Diego Martinez Cardenas, Diana Molina, Gabriela Nava, Kaleb Rodriguez, and Emme Uwase.

"I love UVU’s commitment to future generations and this new solar farm is an outstanding example of how actions speak louder than words! I was able to attend the ribbon cutting for the new solar farm in Tooele and I took pride in knowing that I could represent UVU and that we were the only educational institution invested in this project. UVU's goals have continued to go beyond discussion and into action and that is just one of the many reasons why I love this school!" - Kaleb Rodriguez

"Seeing the solar panels in person and the work that goes into them made me realize that there are companies and institutions that care about the environment and obtaining life essentials in a sustainable way." - Emme Uwase

"It was an exciting experience where I met important community leaders and learned about the project's significance for both UVU and Utah. As a student, I appreciated seeing firsthand how UVU is investing in a greener future, promoting innovation, and preparing us to be leaders in sustainability. This project is important because it not only reduces our carbon footprint but also inspires us to think critically about our environmental impact." - Diego Martinez Cardenas

UVU's heritage of renewable energy dates back to the 1970s with its geothermal wells, which continue today to provide most of the heating and cooling needs on campus. Welcome to the UVU renewables family, Solar Energy!

Check out the event highlight reel on our social media.

The future is looking bright!