A Florida university will be powering student housing on campus with floating solar.
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) became the first university in the nation to host a commercial floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) system. The 700kW array, developed by D3Energy, will directly power student housing on campus and marks a milestone in bringing clean energy to higher education.
The PV system spans nearly two acres and includes 1,200 solar modules secured with an advanced anchoring system built for hurricane-force winds. It utilizes Ciel & Terre’s Hydrelio floating platform, a global leader in FPV manufacturing.
Construction is underway, with grid connection expected by year’s end.
Once complete, the project will offset a significant share of the electricity needs at Mako Hall, Nova Southeastern University’s latest student housing complex, providing clean energy directly where students live and study.
Floating solar is one of the fastest-growing clean energy technologies worldwide, and this project underscores D3Energy’s role in driving its expansion in the United States. By demonstrating the scalability and value of FPV at a Florida university campus, it aims to show how water-based solar arrays can unlock new opportunities for power generation across diverse sectors.
With projects spanning utilities, municipalities, and private enterprises nationwide, D3Energy has established itself as the expert in delivering floating solar solutions that maximize resources while preserving land.
“This installation at NSU demonstrates how floating solar can deliver real benefits for institutions that may not have the land or rooftop space for large-scale solar,” said Stetson Tchividjian, Managing Director of D3Energy. “We’re proud to be pioneering solutions that reduce costs and support sustainability goals, while opening the door for universities to lead by example in renewable energy adoption. We also commend Nova’s leadership team for their forward-thinking approach and willingness to embrace innovative technologies.”
