UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine Unveils Solar Panel System

On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) unveiled an exciting new addition. A 55-kW solar system was installed on top of the Brooks campus library in an effort to provide renewable energy to the UIWSOM campus. This project was executed with the collaboration of UIW's Sustainability Advisory Board (SAB) and Big Sun Solar, a company that "helps companies, nonprofits and municipalities with facilities in Texas meet carbon reduction goals and gain financial returns by transitioning to solar energy."

This project was inspired by UIW's commitment to the Catholic Church's Laudato Si' Platform, the second encyclical of Pope Francis that focuses "on care for our common home" (vatican.va). The installation of these solar panels is a representation of the University's seven-year action plan to decarbonize and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

"When we offset a quarter of our library's energy use with solar power, we're not just lowering our carbon footprint," noted Dean of UIWSOM Dr. John T. Pham. "We're leading by example. We're showing our students, our community and ourselves that healing goes beyond the exam room to the very air we breathe and the planet we share."

SAB members Dr. Benjamin Miele, associate professor of English, Dr. John Hooker, director of SAB, and Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI thanked the numerous people who were involved in developing this project, from Big Sun Solar, Planning and Campus Facilities, faculty, students, Sr. Walter Maher, CCVI and University President Dr. Thomas M. Evans. In Miele's eyes, the support of UIW's vast community is what made this initiative possible and why the equitable outcomes of this project will become tangible at UIWSOM.

CEO of Big Sun Solar Robert Miggins shared his expertise on the benefits of the installed solar panels. The solar system will generate 81,982 kWh of clean renewable energy annually for the library, saving UIWSOM approximately $9,757 a year off electricity costs and generating enough clean energy to offset nearly 8% of the library's energy use.

Attendees smiled gleefully as they listened to each speaker and became more aware of how these solar panels will continue to support UIWSOM's efforts of empowering all members of the medical education community.

The celebration was concluded with a blessing delivered over the solar panels by Bishop Mike Pfeifer, Bishop Emeritus of San Angelo. "God and Creator, we give you thanks as the maker of great light whose loving kindness extends eternally. Gracious God, may we experience your ever renewed bounty with awe and gratitude, and may we use it wisely," prayed Pfeifer.

To commemorate this exciting event, attendees were asked to sign their names on a life-sized solar panel, each name reflecting the various UIW community members there to witness this exciting development in UIWSOM's on-going story.