The dawn of a new era of more powerful and easy-to-install rooftop solar power systems debuted on one of Harvard University’s rooftops this month.

The university just completed installation of the nation’s first, non-penetrating solar installation on top of an historic building on the Watertown, MA, campus.

The system generates 500 kilowatts (kW) of electric power, enough to power 83 average Massachusetts homes. And by switching to a clean energy supply, Harvard gets credit for offsetting the equivalent of 367 metric tons a year of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that are blamed for creating climate change.

Harvard’s solar system features the T5 Solar Roof Tile from SunPower Corp. The company claims this system produces twice the electric power than competing thin film and conventional solar panel technologies. The T5 panels can generate 156 kWs compared to only 90 kWs for thin film and 60 kWs for conventional panels.

The T5′s other big advantages: Lightweight and ease of installation. And since the tiles are attached to the roof, not through the roof, SunPower’s system doesn’t create problems with roof warranties.

The companies didn’t release actual installation costs or energy savings to Harvard from switching to solar power. The economic benefit is only defined as a great return on investment in various company statements.

However, the installation didn’t cost Harvard anything.

The solar system is owned by SunPower and its partners, CarbonFree Technology and Integrys Energy Services, Inc. Harvard agreed to buy electricity from this trio for 25 years. The venture also benefited from a $1.1 million rebate from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

Could your company benefit from adding a similar solar power system to the roof? What type of ROI would your company need to justify adding solar power?

Let us know in the comments box below.

Tags: CarbonFree Technology, Harvard University, rooftop solar power, SunPower Corp., T5 Solar Roof Tile