Central Arizona College to Install Solar Shade Structures Over Parking Lots

February 10, 2026
 
Central Arizona College to Install Solar Shade Structures Over Parking Lots
 
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
 
PINAL COUNTY, Ariz. – Central Arizona College, in partnership with Veregy, will begin installing solar shade structures at the Signal Peak Campus in early March 2026 as part of an effort to increase energy efficiency and reduce long-term costs.
 
The solar shade structures will be installed at the maintenance facility, main parking lot, administration building and residence life areas. Two electric vehicle charging ports will also be added in the administration parking lot.
 
Veregy first approached CAC in February 2024 to discuss the possibility of installing solar shade structures to improve energy efficiency and generate long-term cost savings.
 
Edward Farrell, Account Executive with Veregy explains, “We will be installing a system with a capacity of 1,539 kilowatts or 1.539 megawatts. The system is expected to produce 2,653 kilowatts/hour, offsetting 40% of the college’s energy demand from the grid.”
 
With energy costs continuing to rise, CAC elected to move forward with the project as a cost-effective approach to managing energy usage through rebates and long-term return on investment. The project also aligns with the college’s sustainability plan.
 
“The solar shade panels will create a more energy efficient way to manage overall budgetary costs while enhancing quality of life for students and staff,” said Mark Salaz, Director of Purchasing.
 
Construction of all solar shade structures is expected to be completed by end of fourth quarter 2026.
 
-- www.centralaz.edu –