The field house at the University of Delaware in Newark will host the state's largest solar panel system, according to published accounts.

The highly visible photovoltaic panels will be owned and installed by Maryland-based Standard Solar, who recently opened offices in Newark and intends to widen its business interests. The agreement stipulates Standard Solar will sell the energy to the university for the next 20 years.

"Delaware's been a great state for us with the recent legislation that's gone through, and we're seeing a lot of movement toward a true stance in the renewable space," according to company president Scott Waiter. "So, we think that's great. We're expanding our office here, and we're excited to do more projects in Delaware."

Two buildings in addition to the field house will host the panels, which will generate more than 1 million kilowatts hours of electricity per year.

The solar system, which is partially funded by a gift from the class of 2009, will reduce the University of Delaware's carbon footprint by 1.8 million pounds.