It started as an altruistic dream, but almost two years later, a vision for a cleaner and greener Grebel has been realized.
Jonathan Van Egmond, one of the founders of the group, found the whole project process invaluable.
When Solar Grebel first formed, we had no idea where to even start. In completing this project, all the students involved learned what it takes to organize a building and energy project, from beginning to end.
Beyond practical knowledge, Madeleine Bonsma’s reason for joining Solar Grebel was to take a step towards saving the world and to help set a good example.
She explains:
We as Westerners grossly misuse our resources, and as a result we desperately need to take action when it comes to environmental and economic justice. Solar Grebel provides a way for students to work towards a sustainable and fair society. This technology will ultimately save Grebel money, and it's a great way for the college to lead by example – we hope that other residences and institutions will see the success of our project and want to try it for themselves.
Not only are the many students who have participated in Solar Grebel in the past two years thrilled to see the results of their hard work, but the entire Grebel community is pleased about this installation. Jonathan thinks a lot of the excitement has to do with seeing the equipment first hand and actually benefiting every day from its use.
Madeleine adds:
People at Grebel are generally conscientious and environmentally aware and are glad to see something like this happening. The most exciting thing has been the installation of the solar thermal panels themselves. That was when everyone realized that it was really going to happen, after all the waiting and the hard work done by students before us.
Jeremy Weber of Hydronic Solution and another sponsor of the project says:
With the ever increasing concern regarding our environment and resources over the next number of years we will see solar thermal and other forms of green energy explode into the North American market.
These three solar panels will produce 7.82 megawatt hours which will ultimately contribute to 936.9 metres³ of gas saved annually - about 14% of Grebel’s current load. More importantly, Grebel’s CO2 emissions will be reduced by 1,981 kilograms.
The installers and suppliers, Kittle Mechanical and Air Solutions, who also sponsored this project, states:
At 7,200 BTUs per hour of heat production per collector on a full day of sun, EOS’ evacuated tube solar thermal system provided just the solution the students and administration at Conrad Grebel University College were looking for. The installation of three S30 collectors provided a very cost effective green alternative; one which can be modularly expanded upon in the future and has come in at a fraction of the cost of photovoltaic technology which is still cost prohibitive for many projects.
Madeleine stated:
This tremendous show of support is only the beginning! Once the last $6,000 has been raised, we hope to expand our current 3-panel system over the next several years to a total of 9-12 panels. Also, if Grebel proceeds with a new building, we would like to incorporate this technology in its construction from the get-go. And if, far in the future, we run out of places to put panels, I think Solar Grebel could continue on as a more general group to make Grebel more environmentally friendly.
By Jennifer Konkle