Cornell Tech’s State-of-the-Art Campus Powers Innovation With Rooftop Solar

Cornell Tech is a university campus located on Roosevelt Island in New York City, bringing together faculty, business leaders, tech entrepreneurs, and students to drive innovation in the digital age. Designed with sustainability at its core, the campus features the largest rooftop solar system in Manhattan, installed by PowerFlex atop The Bloomberg Center and The Bridge. This landmark project not only generates clean electricity but also plays a central role in Cornell Tech’s vision for a net-zero energy campus, setting a new standard for environmentally conscious and energy-efficient design.

The Challenge

Building a Net-Zero Campus in the Heart of New York City

Designing and installing a large-scale solar system on Roosevelt Island presented a unique set of challenges. The project required a solution that could withstand high wind speeds on exposed rooftops along the East River, while also meeting strict architectural and aesthetic standards for the campus. Navigating New York City’s complex permitting process involved coordination with multiple agencies, including the NYC Economic Development Corporation, the Department of Buildings, Con Edison, and the Electrical Advisory Board. Additionally, the PowerFlex project team had to synchronize construction with ongoing building development while ensuring the system would contribute meaningfully to Cornell Tech’s net-zero energy goals.

PowerFlex’s Solution

Customized Solar Design for a Landmark Campus

INSTALLATION TYPE

Rooftop Solar

INSTALLATION SIZE

850 kW

LOCATIONS

New York, NY

INCENTIVES

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) • NY-Sun Initiative

To meet Cornell Tech’s ambitious sustainability goals, PowerFlex engineered and installed an 850-kilowatt rooftop solar system across The Bloomberg Center and The Bridge. The system, comprised of over 2,200 solar modules, was designed with a customized racking solution to anchor panels securely against high winds along the East River. PowerFlex worked closely with building architects to integrate the solar array as a central design feature, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic harmony. The project team coordinated with dozens of union contractors and navigated New York City’s rigorous permitting and approval process, including updates to the buildings’ network protectors to enable energy export. Supported by the NY-Sun Initiative, this innovative installation now provides a significant portion of The Bloomberg Center’s energy needs and advances Cornell Tech’s vision for a net-zero campus.

Integrating Smart Building Features for Maximum Efficiency

Beyond solar, Cornell Tech’s campus incorporates a range of advanced strategies to achieve net-zero energy at The Bloomberg Center. These include geothermal ground source heat pumps, an energy-efficient façade that balances transparency and insulation, and smart building technologies that monitor lighting and plug load use. The solar array on The Bloomberg Center also provides shade for cooling, further reducing energy demand. Together, these features demonstrate Cornell Tech’s holistic approach to sustainability, combining renewable energy generation with innovative building design to set a new benchmark for energy efficiency in New York City.