Catholic University of America
Laid the financial and technical foundation for the region's largest urban PV ground mount system
Summary
Optony was selected to conduct two comprehensive solar and energy storage feasibility studies to determine the most financially advantageous path forward for the Catholic University of America. The analysis extended beyond technical viability to include a detailed review of the D.C. renewable energy credit market, regulatory requirements, grid interconnection considerations, and potential off-take arrangements.
A key deliverable was a customizable Excel-based financial modeling tool that allowed University stakeholders to compare multiple system sizes across three financing and ownership structures. By incorporating changeable user inputs and transparent assumptions, the model enabled data-driven decision-making aligned with the University’s financial goals. As the project advanced, Optony continued supporting CUA through procurement and developer selection, contract negotiation, commissioning oversight, REC registration, and early- stage operational advising
The Challenge
To maximize the long-term financial value of underutilized campus land and navigate complex renewable energy credits (RECs) market dynamics, interconnection constraints, energy off-taker options, and environmental regulations to identify a financially optimized pathway balancing system size, ownership structure, and market participation.
Our Approach
Optony’s approach integrated technical analysis, market insight, and strategic financial advisory. The team conducted dual feasibility studies for solar PV and energy storage, evaluated Washington, D.C.’s REC market and community solar opportunities, and assessed interconnection and regulatory constraints. Multiple system configurations and financing structures were modeled to understand tradeoffs and maximize value, supported by a dynamic financial tool that enabled long-term scenario planning under evolving market conditions.
Although the University had already achieved its on-campus renewable energy goals through solar, wind, and RECs, it sought to pursue a project centered on revenue generation and long-term financial return rather than additional internal power supply. This required navigating complex REC market dynamics, interconnection constraints, energy off-taker structures, and environmental regulations to identify an optimized pathway balancing system size, ownership structure, and market participation.
Through a comprehensive process, Optony guided procurement, developer evaluation, and contract negotiations—ensuring the University’s decisions were grounded in real-world market conditions and aligned with its financial objectives.
D.C.'s largest ground-mount solar system
The 7.5MW array is one of the largest in the region, spanning 25 acres and 15,000+ panels.
Powers 1,000+ homes
The system is modeled to generate enough energy to power over 1,000 homes.
Provides educational opportunities
Created local clean energy jobs while transforming the site into a hands-on learning lab for K–12 students and real-time energy monitoring for university teaching and research.
Community impact
Serves both onsite campus needs and the local community solar program, expanding access to renewable energy beyond university boundaries.
Solutions Delivered
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Renewable Energy Procurement
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REC and Incentive Planning
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Onsite Solar Assessment
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Solar Feasibility Assessment
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Battery Energy Sizing System Sizing and Assessment
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Community Solar Program Management
The Solution
The resulting project is a 7.5MW photovoltaic (PV) system— one of the largest solar power arrays in Washington, D.C. The installation is projected to generate enough clean energy to power more than 1,000 homes. The system will serve both onsite campus needs and the local community solar program, expanding access to renewable energy beyond university boundaries.
Beyond financial performance, the project delivers measurable environmental benefits. The site will include pollinator habitats designed to support bees, butterflies, and other insects, enhancing biodiversity while reducing the community’s carbon footprint.
Through strategic structuring and market-informed analysis, Optony helped position CUA to transform underutilized land into a high-impact renewable energy asset—advancing institutional sustainability goals while maximizing long-term financial returns.
The solar project stands as a model for higher education institutions and other organizations seeking to move beyond onsite energy use toward broader community benefit.
By pairing one of Washington, D.C.’s largest solar arrays with participation in the local community solar program, the University demonstrates how institutional land can be leveraged to expand access to clean energy while strengthening long-term financial performance. Equally important, the project delivers measurable environmental and social value. Together, these outcomes position the project as a replicable example of how renewable energy development can integrate financial returns, environmental stewardship, and community impact.
Optony provided invaluable guidance and support for our West Campus solar array development, through all phases of the project from, inception to operations.
We continue to rely on Optony for their review and insight during our ongoing operational relationship with the developer. Optony's expertise in the energy sector is foundational to our continued partnership.
Debra Nauta-Rodriguez I VP of Facilities Planning & Management
The Catholic University of America
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The resulting project is the largest urban solar array in the region at 7.5MW, covering 25 acres of urban farmland.
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Saves 7.1 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, the equivalent of removing over 1,500 cars from the road.
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Benefits that move beyond onsite energy and into the local community by participating in the area's community solar program.
