SOLAR PANELS FOR A BRANDEIS BUILDING

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We propose that $100,000 from the Student Union Rollover Fund be allocated to install an approximately 17 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system on a prominent building on the Brandeis campus. According to experts at the Executive Office of Energy Environmental Affairs, the 100k would warrant approximately $70k in MTC rebates. This system would be used to produce electricity to power a portion of the campus’s use. The installation of  this solar panel system would not only reduce the University’s carbon emissions by approximately 20,000 pounds per year, but this forward-thinking project would be a large-scale, tangible step toward a culture of sustainability on campus. This solar panel system would serve as a symbol of Brandeis’ commitment to the social responsibility of combating climate change. This proposal is best-suited for the Student Activities Roll-Over Fund because the solar panel system would be a physical manifestation of student passion and support for university-wide sustainability.

1. Why do you thin your proposal will benefit the student body at large?
Although we recognize that Brandeis contributes a small proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions, this project is a concrete action that Brandeis could take to account for its impact. With the knowledge that climate change is the greatest challenge of our generation, students at Brandeis want to be part of the solution. This proposal would give them a tangible way to take action as a campus toward becoming carbon neutral. The accomplishment of a solar panel system on the Brandeis campus would demonstrate the feasibility of a more sustainable university, a more sustainable Brandeis.

2. Why and how do you think your proposal will benefit in short and long term?
The short term benefits of our proposal include the creation of a symbol for the future of sustainability at Brandeis, a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the logistical precedent for sustainable infrastructure changes at Brandeis. Many of the system components can be purchased in Massachusetts, helping grow an important new sector of our local economy.

Installing the solar photovoltaic system has a large educational component. As part of the purchase price Brandeis can receive a software package that allows students and the community to monitor production from the system. This software could be used campus wide and does not have to be physically near the system. Electricity is a commodity that is often very removed from a student’s daily life. Installing solar panels on campus may encourage conservation by connecting production to use of electricity.

The long term benefits of our proposal are the enhanced culture of sustainability on campus and the financial advantages of solar energy. Because solar energy is a fixed cost (initial cost of installation plus minimal maintenance), Brandeis would not be as affected by the rising cost of oil and coal. Through the Brandeis Sustainability Fund the electricity cost savings on this system would be reinvested in further sustainability projects.

3. Whom have you consulted for the proposal?
Janna Cohen Rosenthal,  Sustainability Coordinator, For Production/Cost estimates. Solar planning and sitting. Educational benefits.
Bill Bushey- Energy Manager. For financial cost/benefits to Brandeis.
Daniel Feldman- Vice President of Capital Projects. For feasibility on new and existing buildings.
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Renewable Energy Trust. For calculation of matching funds, production estimates, and general background on solar electricity.
Eric Friedman, Director of State Sustainability, The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. For help on assessing the eligibility for Commonwealth Solar.

4. Please list any peoplep we can contact as references in regards to your proposal.
Janna Cohen-Rosenthal, Sustainability Coordinator
Facilities Services Brandeis University
jannacr@brandeis.edu  ex. 64194

Daniel Feldman, Vice President for Capital Projects
feldman@brandeis.edu  6.8405

5. Any further explanations if necessary.
Once funds are allocated Brandeis can receive quotes from installers and determine the most effective location of the system on campus.  The sites will need to be clear of shading from trees and other buildings. The roof space and type of roof have to be adequate for the size of system determined. The proposed system size for a $100,000 grant is 17 kWh. The estimated size of the system may increase with a proper consultation from certified and experienced installers who determine the ideal location on campus from the large inventory of possible sites. 

This proposal encourages the full amount of the rollover fund to be used for a solar electricity project in order to create the largest impact. Solar energy is scalable by design, so it is feasible that a percentage of the estimated 17 kilowatt system could be installed. It is recommended to go no lower than 50% of the proposed budget ($50,000), as price per kilowatt installed may increase rapidly and environmental impact would therefore greatly decrease.  Factors that increase the price per kilowatt as you purchase less solar panels may include: fixed price for software and some hardware features, fixed costs for labor, and price reductions from panels manufactures for larger purchases.

ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENTS
- Timeline of Payments
- Solar Calculations

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