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 modeled electricity generation from Stanford’s roofs, parking lots, and associated lands in the nearby foothills. SUSI has also been looking into financial incentives, legal permitting, and environmental impacts associated with installing solar photovoltaics at Stanford University and advising the Office of Sustainability and Energy Management at Stanford with the new power plan.



We are also working with a solar charging station company to facilitate education on and building of solar charging stations. We have further been investigating the Row houses for possible solar installations and done a couple site visits.



All and any opportunities with solar power are welcome!