Due to insufficient roof or ground space for such a large-scale solar project on current campus facilities, Johns Hopkins chose a remote solar arrangement that could still provide its facilities with reliable and affordable power. The remote solar system was made possible through the coordination of PJM Interconnection, the regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity. Direct Energy Business worked with PJM on behalf of Johns Hopkins to schedule and procure wholesale energy, and now secures an equivalent amount of energy as generated by the new solar system at a low, predictable rate.

The solar project will avoid the emission of 1.4 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere over the next 20 years, which is equivalent to removing more than 313,000 cars from U.S. roads for one year. Over the coming two decades, the system will also produce the energy equivalent to powering more than 180,000 homes for a year.

The solar installation features more than 40,000 solar panels across a 97-acre plot of land. Solar City installed and will maintain the project.