Stanford University solar power usage ahead of time

source: Sarah Pape for The Stanford Daily via U-Wire 2001.11.01

(U-WIRE) STANFORD, Calif. -- While recent state legislation is offering incentives to homeowners who switch to solar power, Stanford University already has begun installing solar power facilities at the new Jasper Ridge field station in the Foothills. The Leslie S. Sun Field Station will have 253 photovoltaic panels for electricity and an active solar hot water heating system. According to Susan Kulakowski, campus energy manager for facilities operations, solar power can be used at the site because of its excellent sun exposure.

"Renewable power generation is consistent with the program and function of the facility," Kulakowski said.

The Jasper Ridge station is part of a larger biological preserve located three miles away from the main part of campus. A wide range of research takes place there, ranging from ecosystem studies to anthropology. Work began at the station last summer and is scheduled to be completed by the spring.

Another place on campus looking to use solar energy is Synergy, a student housing cooperative. Students have begun an initiative to install solar panels at the house, Kulakowski said. She also mentioned that planners are talking about solar or wind power generation at the new Carnegie Global Ecology Center. Though other homeowners are looking to solar power as a way to avoid blackouts and rising energy costs, Stanford has its own power plant; thus, solar power is less of a need and more of way to take "advantage of a free fuel source," Kulakowsi said.

"Stanford will also benefit indirectly by providing an example to other institutions and contributing to a more sustainable energy future," she said.

No changes will be made to CoGen, Stanford's power plant. CoGen, which is short for cogeneration, is powered by natural gas and steam. Stanford uses half of the plant's power and sells the rest to the surrounding community. "CoGen is efficient because it maximizes the work obtained from each unit of fuel," Kulakowsi said.

Stanford is already one of the most energy-efficient research universities in California. Over the last decade the University has invested $6 million in energy-efficiency improvements to campus buildings. Another $750,000 is budgeted for this year.

Voters in San Francisco will decide Nov. 6 whether to approve a $100 million bond measure to promote solar and wind power. Sponsors of the proposition hope it will make the city one of the nation's leaders in solar energy.

Also, legislation in California provides monetary incentives for homeowners to invest in solar power. The California Renewable Energy Buydown Program offers homeowners a $4,500 per kilowatt rebate if they switch to solar power or 50 percent off the purchase of solar power system.

Recently Gov. Gray Davis approved legislation offering a 15 percent tax credit, after the rebate, for those who purchase and install solar energy systems. It goes into affect in January 2002 but will cover any solar energy investments made after this past Jan. 1.