Solar
SWEP members have installed and tested an evacuated tube solar water heater on Professor Gil Masters’ Renewable Energy Laboratory, and then petitioned the University to install a similar system, in addition to a competing system, on the Adams and Robinson GovCo dorms. These systems are currently in operation and are providing on average 60% of the hot water needs of these two dormitories. SWEP members are currently in the process of instrumenting these hot water heating systems so that residents can have access to real-time information, which in turn can be used to make decisions about water usage. SWEP is also currently advocating for the installation of more solar water heating systems on other dormitories on campus.
In October 2009, SWEP members formed the Stanford University Solar Initiative (SUSI) to assess the potential for installing additional solar photovoltaic energy for Stanford University. With financial assistance from the Green Fund and ASSU, the group is currently in the process modeling electricity generation from Stanford’s roofs, parking lots, and associated lands in the nearby foothills. Groups within SUSI are also looking into financial incentives, legal permitting, and environmental impacts associated with installing solar photovoltaics at Stanford University.
Past Projects
- EVs with PVs
- Determine the SOLAR resource on campus
