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Powering the Future: UVA’s School of Data Science Showcases Rooftop Solar Energy
Under a bright fall sky, the University of Virginia’s Office of Sustainability and UVA Power and Light led a behind-the-scenes tour of the solar panels atop the School of Data Science, offering students, faculty, and staff a firsthand look at how renewable energy is shaping the University’s future.
The visit was part of UVA’s broader effort to make sustainability visible and tangible across Grounds. The rooftop installation at the School of Data Science — which opened in 2024 and is located on the Emmet-Ivy Corridor — is among several solar arrays generating clean power for the University.
The Data Science Solar Story
“This building was designed from the start to be solar ready,” said Sathish Anabuthala, associate director of UVA Power and Light, pointing out the panel arrays neatly positioned along the roof’s perimeter. “All new UVA facilities are now constructed to handle solar loads of 10 to 15 pounds per square foot and include conduits connecting to the main electrical room—so when we install panels, everything is already in place.”
The roughly 30 participants learned how the photovoltaic system converts sunlight into electricity through a straightforward process. Solar modules absorb light and produce direct current (DC) energy, which passes through inverters to become alternating current (AC) power usable by the building or returned to the grid. “Once the system is wired through the inverter, it’s as simple as plugging it into a panel board,” Anaburthala explained.
The School of Data Science solar installation includes 160 panels and at peak capacity produces 58 kW. These modules take up about 4,317 square feet of roof area and generate roughly 76,569 kWh per year which is equivalent to 54 metric tons of CO2 reduction per year.
Because of structural requirements, not every inch of the rooftop could hold solar modules as areas must remain clear for roof drains and maintenance access. Shading from rooftop equipment also limits where panels can be installed. “You have to balance practicality with efficiency,” Anabuthala noted. “If a panel is shaded even part of the day, its output drops, so placement is critical.”
Still, the School of Data Science’s installation represents a model of thoughtful design and forward planning. The building’s energy-efficient features, from its glazing and insulation to its solar-ready structure, reflect UVA’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and fossil-fuel-free operations by 2050.
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Toward a Sustainable Future
UVA currently owns and operates 593 kilowatts (kW) of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) assets across Grounds. These installations are complemented by two large-scale solar farms — Hollyfield (21,100 kW dc) and Puller (19,700 kW dc) — developed through 25-year power purchase agreements. Together, these sites produce renewable energy equivalent to nearly 20 percent of the University’s annual electricity needs. A planned geothermal plant at Fontaine Research Park that will serve upcoming facilities such as the Center for Biocomplexity.
During the tour, attendees asked about the potential for expanding solar infrastructure across Grounds. While covering every building with panels isn’t feasible, Anabuthala emphasized that each installation contributes to a growing renewable network and provides valuable data for future planning.
“This system does more than generate energy,” he said. “It demonstrates how UVA can design for sustainability. These efforts integrating technology, engineering, and data to inform smarter decisions for the next generation of buildings.”
As the group looked out over the reflective black panels and the evolving skyline of Grounds, the takeaway was unmistakable: the School of Data Science is helping shape a more sustainable future for the University and beyond.
Visit the UVA Renewable Energy Tracker for more information.
