MSUDePaul University has all the potential of becoming one of the most energy friendly environments. Installing a state of the art water heating system, could be a step forward to being greener. Some states are already in the process of using the system. It is helping many organizations save money and it is working efficiently.
Amherst University who received the highest grade, according to the sustainability report card has been using the solar water heating systems over the years, and that help saved a large amount of money; which helps the University provide scholarships to low income families at their University. This shows that, the solar water heating system is a very good way of helping people save money, educate them on other way that houses and buildings can be heated, and provide hot water without have to use gas.
In addition, solar energy works in Michigan providing electricity and heating for homes, schools, churches, colleges, and parks. Solar technologies include photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight into electricity, solar hot water systems that heat water for swimming pools and buildings, and solar space heating systems that provide heat for buildings. In addition, passive solar designs provide heat for buildings and day lighting strategies use sunlight to minimize the need for electricity to run lights.
Furthermore, Michigan State University has a 10 kW photovoltaic system at the Pavilion on the south side of campus. The Pavilion is used for a variety of events and shows. The PV system has been installed on the south facing wall. This was one of the first 10 kW solar demonstration projects that received funding from the Energy Office.
Another great example is in Northwest Michigan, where Dr. Conrad Heins, “built the home to the left in northwest Michigan. Dr. Hein’s passive solar home is well insulated and has a lot of south facing glass to capture solar heat during the heating season. His propane bills are less than $100 per year. Dr. Heins also uses solar energy to heat most of his hot water for dishes and showers, and he uses photovoltaic panels to produce some of his electricity.”
DePaul University could save a lot of money to invest into other important things within the communities and the school itself. Most importantly, the University would be the first one in Chicago to bring this great work into place. As a result, other schools could use the system as an example; perhaps have some engineers come to DePaul to look at strategies or initiatives to install the solar water heating system at their schools.
Installing the water heating system would not be an easy process, because the installers must follow certain procedures. The person who is in charge of taking the initiative to try the great experiment has to know exactly what they are doing.
As a University, we are always pushing for good health and the wellness of the environment. Having a system that can help decrease illnesses to keep the communities healthy can be the best thing that could happen to the future scholars in the society. DePaul already walks the walk, by keeping the students informed about all the social values and ways to be healthy. It is important that, DePaul takes the initiate to go further in involving solar water heaters.
According to the Solar Hot, solar water heaters are the most cost effective way to reduce carbon emissions and reduce dependence on imported energy.
I would suggest that DePaul University start a project to receive funds to run a trial because of the positive effects that could have on the students and the communities.
Sources:
http://www.solarroofs.com
http://www.radiantsolar.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/
http://www.radiantec.com
Amherst University.edu
Amherst University.edu
Michigan University.edu
Department of Labor & Economic Growth
http://www.ecs-solar.com/solar_resources.htm
http://image/www.solarroofs.com
Posted by Fabiola
