CAMPUS
Harnessing Solar Energy
INTERNATIONAL MODELS Rutgers University, New Jersey, has the largest solar energy system on a single campus in the United States. In 2008, the university partnered with the Board of Public Utilities and broke ground by constructing a seven-acre solar energy facility on its Livingston Campus. The system comprises 77, 00,175 watt photovoltaic (PV) crystalline solar panels with a rated capacity of 1.4MW. The university maintains a high-voltage distribution system, which uses the energy generated on the solar farm to serve the electrical needs of the entire campus, which comprises of academic, housing, dining and athletics buildings. By providing 11 percent of the campus’ energy requirements, it plans to cut down carbon emissions by 1,350 tonnes in the next year. It will also reduce expenditure on conventional energy by US$230,000, and more in the future as energy costs escalate. According to Joseph Witkowski, director of utilities operations of the solar farm, “The project is a showcase of the university’s commitment to clean energy. At a university where multiple disciplines are conducting research on climate change and alternative energy, it is exceedingly appropriate for Rutgers to set an example and promote solar power”. He believes an educational institution must be committed to education, research and service, which is why bringing environmentally-sound practices to higher education is a must. “This project is a win-win not only from a financial perspective, but also from an educational one”. Stanford University is renowned for its green initiatives and sustainable technology. President Hennessy’s home boasts the largest PV system on campus. The project is both environmentally and financially beneficial, since it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 14 metric tonnes per year. Excess power from the solar panels will be sold to PG&E, and the project’s US$362,000 cost will be reduced by US$84,000, thanks to a rebate from the California Solar Initiative. The Leslie Shao-ming Sun Field Station has 22KW solar photovoltaic and solar thermal heating systems. Synergy House has a 10KW PV system, partly funded and installed by students and house alumni. Stanford’s Utilities Division installed a 30KW PV system to offset the energy used for pumping water into storage reservoirs. The Jerry Yang and Akiko Yamazaki Environment and Energy Building and Reservoir showcases three PV installations totalling 12KW. Student Housing operates a solar water heating system and has partnered with the Civil and Environmental Engineering department to demonstrate two solar water heating technologies. Colorado State University has installed of a 2MW solar power plant at its Foothills Campus. This plant will produce enough power to meet more than 10 percent of the University’s electric energy needs at that campus. Ohio State University just received a grant of US$18.6 million from Ohio’s Department of Development, to build a solar cell development centre.
be overcome with the installation of certain components. The production of solar energy is influenced by the presence of clouds, or pollution, in the air. Similarly, no solar energy is produced during the night, though a battery backup system can solve this problem.
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“High costs and the weak link of battery are the biggest disadvantages of this efficient source of energy. A lot of research is needed to improve efficiency and reduce material costs even further,” believes Khare. He adds that institutes should try not to convert every energy source into a
solar-powered one, but wait to do it in a modular fashion. Universities and institutes should start with solar streetlights as far as outdoor lighting is concerned, and then look for energy efficiency—not just renewable energy—such as substituting conventional lighting with LED lights.
Future Perfect? Solar Photovoltaic is the world’s fastest growing energy technology and holds tremendous potential for India. “SPV systems are experiencing considerable decline in prices due to intense research, commercialisation of utility projects and increase in poly silicon production,” informs Wadhwa. “Even though
it is still relatively expensive when compared to more conventional sources of power as far as tangible costs are concerned, there is a growing realisation that this source is the most promising one when it comes to generating power without polluting the environment.” Evidently, the benefits of solar energy much outweigh the disadvantages that may be overcome as and when technology improves. Going green therefore, means a cleaner, brighter campus, and a cleaner, brighter future.
What’s Online To read the full interview of Inderpreet Wadhwa, CEO Azure Power go to EDU website www.edu-leaders.com Write in your views and opinions about the stories in this magazine or on any other issues relating to higher education. Send them to the Editor, EDU at editor@edu-leaders.com
EDU TECH June 2010
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