In late 2021, Olivet Nazarene University partnered with SunVest Solar LLC to install solar panels on the roofs of two campus buildings. The hope was that the panels would generate a meaningful amount of electricity to offset a portion of the operational budget of the University.
As of December 2025, the 3,124 solar panels installed on the Perry Student Life and Recreation Center and Hawkins Centennial Chapel had produced a total of 5.97 million kilowatts (kWh) of electricity over four years — exceeding the predicted production of 5.50 million kWh. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, that production is equivalent to what it takes to power more than 600 homes for an entire year.
Practically speaking, the generation of the solar-powered electricity has saved Olivet an average of $65,000 per year on utilities, with the total four-year savings totaling more than $262,000 as of December 2025. Currently, the solar panels generate about 10% of Olivet’s main campus electricity needs.
The idea to install solar panels as a cost-saving venture for the University was sparked by a faculty presentation given by Nicholas Boros, Ph.D., professor of mathematics in the Walker School of STEM, during Olivet’s annual Scholar Week in 2018. Boros’ presentation addressed creation care as a responsible method of stewarding natural and financial resources.
The partnership with SunVest has continued to offer academic research opportunities for students and faculty over the past few years. One University Honors Program capstone project, completed by Anna Shoup ’25, used the solar panels as an on-campus case study for analyzing the impact of the solar arrays thus far and exploring the potential benefits of adding storage batteries.
Professor of biology, Ryan Himes, Ph.D., was the faculty mentor for Anna’s research and has been an instrumental university liaison on the solar panel project. Based on their tandem research, University executives are currently exploring options to add storage batteries to the panels, which would further expand the value of the contract with SunVest.
“I am very thankful for how well the solar panel project has worked out for Olivet thus far,” Dr. Himes says. “I think it’s a great example to our students to see how we are using this technology to help us be better stewards of our natural and financial resources so we can carry out the University’s mission more sustainably and efficiently.”
For more information about the Walker School of STEM, visit Olivet.edu/Academics
