Stanford Solar and Wind Energy Project SWEP

Volunteer Job Positions Open

Contact: Will Tucker

Solar water heating Data Analyst (1-2 people) – Need to create a monthly reports and documentation about the water heaters installed on the Robinson and Adams dorm. Some computer programming skills desired.

Project Background

During a study abroad trip to China in 2006, Mike Dvorak (current SWEP Vice President) was amazed by the prevalence and low cost of solar hot water heating systems. He was so convinced that Americans should be using these inexpensive, simple systems that he purchased a unit and had it shipped to California. During the fall of 2007, the unit was installed on top of Professor Gil Master's Renewable Energy Lab roof, alongside two other solar hot water heating systems. Click on the "Solar Hot Water Heater Installation..." links below to see images from the installation process.

After installation, several SWEP members began to measure and compare the effectiveness of these systems. Two members, Mike Dvorak and Lauren Leonard, used some of the information gathered to assist the university in its plan to install two new solar hot water heating systems on campus.

During spring quarter 2008, SWEP toured the only (then) existing solar hot water heating system on campus at Roth House.

Installed Heliodyne flat plate collectors on the Robinson dorm

The Stanford Green Fund awarded SWEP $5000 for the design, installation, and monitoring of dorm solar water heating systems that were installed in the Summer of 2008 on Adams and Robinson dorms in Governor's Corner dorm. The funding covered Internet enabled, wireless sensor systems that are measuring the temperature difference and flow of water coming in and out of the collectors. The systems will give Stanford Housing critical energy information on the actual energy savings from the solar water heating system, as well as the reduction in carbon emissions. The data will also allow for the improved design of future solar water heating systems at Stanford.

Evacuated tube collectors being installed on the Adams dorm.