Solar GrebelConrad Grebel University College

Project Description and Timeline• In the Fall of 2008, 7 students

set out to– Educate themselves and the

community– Develop leadership and technical

skills– Take action in a student-led project– Initiate a solar installation

Project Description and Timeline• Since then, students have– Written a Request for Proposals– Raised ~$48,000– Contacted system suppliers– Arranged a final contract– Resolved technical challenges

Project Description and Timeline• In December 2010, a solar thermal water

heating system was installed.• Total system cost: $48,072

Technical Details• 3 evacuated tube solar thermal panels• 2 water storage tanks• 940m3 natural gas saved annually• 15% of CGUC’s hot water needs• Over 7000 kWh of energy collected to

date

3 Solar Panels

12 Solar Panels

Community Response• Students:– Responded with great enthusiasm• Many joined our cause and offered words of

support

• Parents:– Were highly enthusiastic about our cause• Were financially supportive through donations

and participation in Grebel’s Pie Auction

Community Response• Alumni:– Felt passionate about our project and

offered important financial support• The University:– Federation of Students shared our goals and

offered support:• Greater Waterloo region– The Waterloo Chronicle, The Canadian

Mennonite all felt our cause was important

Goals• Our goals for our community:– Create awareness of environmental issues

and energy solutions– Share our passion for the environment– Inspire other sustainable energy projects

Future Expectations• Conrad Grebel:– Put more solar panels on the roof

• University of Waterloo:– Raise awareness of the benefits of solar

energy– Start a solar energy trend in the university

community

Thank You• Solar Grebel would not be possible without:

– TD Friends of the Environment– Fred Martin and Paul Penner– Air Solutions– Hydronic Solutions– Kittel Mechanical– Federal and Provincial governments of Canada– UW Federation of Students (FEDS)– CGUC Administration– CGUC Student Council– CGUC Alumni– Private donors