Campus Solar Projects and
Opportunities for
Student Involvement
By Caitlin Bonney, Bryan Cosgrove, Kelsey Martin, & Kate Workman
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Global Warming and CO2 Assessment
Greenhouse gases contributing to climate change: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide
Rising sea levels, major flooding, storms, losses of certain ecosystems, global health problems, increased mortality, and large reductions in the gross national product of many countries
7 billion tons of CO2 released into atmosphere every year
U.S. Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Review 2009, Tables1.3, 2.1b-2.1f , 10.3, and 10.4.http://www.eia.doe.gov/aer/pecss_diagram.html
What is solar power?
Nuclear diffusion
Solar energy travels to earth at the speed of light of 186,000 miles per second.
Why is solar power better than fossil fuels?
Free (not considering technologies) Limitless Less CO2 emitted No international relation problems (as there
are with oil)
Why is solar energy better than other renewable energy sources?
Can be used in a variety of locations and sizes Small- and large-scale settings
Works well with other forms of energy Energy from the sun can heat water and
create electricity
Future Prospects of Solar Plants
Solar energy can supply 40-80% of a sector’s energy demand
2005: 92% reduction in carbon emissions 2015: CSP electricity prices at $0.10/kWh 2050: 69% of electricity needs and 35% of
total energy needs 2100: 90% of U.S. energy demand
Harnessing Solar Energy
• Photovoltaic Cells (PV)•Solar Thermal Systems
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How do photovoltaic (PV) cells work?
Semiconducting material is attached to a panel and installed in a sunny area
Photons in sun's rays cause electrons in PV material to move electrical current
Inverter changes the current to a usable form of energy
Photovoltaic Cells
How do solar
thermal systems
work? A collector is mounted in a sunny area Liquid is run through the pipes and the heat
from the panel is transferred to water The hot water goes into the home's hot
water storage tank and used when needed
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Solar Thermal Systems
Small-Scale Solar Systems
Efficiency is not limited by the number of panels
Individual solar collectors can be directly installed on buildings
Minimal space required to implement solar collectors
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Benefits of Domestic Solar Systems
Eliminates excess expenses of transporting hot water
Water is more likely to retain heat due to small travel distance
Can be used in remote locations Although homeowner must purchase
system, tax rebates are available
Large-Scale Solar Systems
Photovoltaic systems Applicable for large scale buildings and
structures Can be mounted and positioned in many
different ways to achieve optimal sunlight
Taiwan Solar Stadium
First 100% solar powered stadium in the world
8,844 solar panels Seats 55,000 Can generate 1.14
million kilowatts of power
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Research fitting the Robins Stadium with photovoltaic solar panels
Could offset energy expenditures of scoreboard and lighting
Potential locations of panels: roof of press box and angled on sides of towers
May influence higher LEED certification for stadium
The University of RichmondPursuit of Solar Panels for the Robins Stadium
Student Involvement in Solar Energy Initiatives
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“Experiential, Project-Based Learning”
In this type of environment, students will “internalize the concept of sustainability, and carry it in practice beyond academia into a greater society.” Dawson 21.
Bardaglio and Putman 171 .
The University of Richmond
Installation of one 80-gallon solar thermal system (two panels) and one 2-kW solar electrical system (ten panels) on the roof of a University Forest Apartment in the 1600-block
Location chosen due to its southwest direction and clear skies for unlimited access to sunlight
University’s in-house electricians may install systems
Project will be complete before the 2011-2012 school year
A Solar Pilot Project
Project Proposal from One Contractor - *Project design has not been finalized
An Interdisciplinary Approach to Student Involvement
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/.a/6a00d8341c630a53ef0120a5de5317970b-600wi
The University of Richmond
Promotion & Installation Phase Students in the arts – publications and
creative projects to spark students’ interests in solar energy
Students in the sciences – participate in fieldwork
Academic group or class to learn about solar and renewable energy
Energy monitoring system for research across multiple disciplines (i.e. economics, environmental studies, physics and other natural sciences)
Student Involvement In Solar Pilot Project
Works CitedBardaglio, Peter, and Andrea Putman. Boldly Sustainable: Hope and
Opportunity for Higher Education in the Age of Climate Change. Washington D.C.: National Association of College and University Business Officers, 2009.
Bullis, Kevin. "Solar's Great Leap Forward." Technology Review (Cambridge, Mass.: 1998) 113.4 (2010): 52-7. General Science Full Text. Web. 8 Nov. 2010.
Dawson, Ashley. "Greening the Campus." Radical Teacher. 78 (April 2007): 19-23. Print.
Department of Energy, 20 Oct. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2010. <http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/water_heating/index.cfm/mytopic=12850>.
Gore, Albert. Our Choice: A Plan to Solve the Climate Crisis. Emmaus, PA: Rodale, 2009
Roeb, M. (2010). "Concentrating on Solar Electricity and Fuels". Science (New York, N.Y.) (0036-8075), 329 (5993), p. 773.