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Advancing Renewable Energy: BU's Campus Solar Initiative

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Contents

Abstract.......................................................................................................................................................3
1.0 Introduction and Project Overview........................................................................................................3
2.0 Alignment with BU's Mission, Vision, and Values................................................................................3
3.0 BU Project Scope, Schedule, and Cost..................................................................................................4
4.0 BU Project Impact.................................................................................................................................5
5.0 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................5
References...................................................................................................................................................6
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Abstract
This paper gives a general summary of Boston University's (BU) campus solar project, demonstrating the

university's dedication to research, education, and community involvement. It also commits to

renewable energy. The project seeks to increase solar energy usage through on-site installations,

supporting BU's commitment to research and innovation. By creating a market for solar goods and

services, it also promotes the regional renewable energy sector. The goal of the research is to create an

electrodynamic screen film-based solar technology that can clean itself. The project's timing, price, and

effects includes student involvement, economic advantages, and enhanced exposure in climate action.

For other educational institutions looking to promote sustainability and battle climate change, BU's

campus solar project serves as a role model.

1.0 Introduction and Project Overview

Boston University (BU) is committed to encouraging the use of renewable energy sources and

adopting aggressive measures to combat climate change. 2020 saw the start of a thorough solar

feasibility study at BU, which examined more than 80 buildings and locations throughout its

three campuses. This paper intends to illustrate the university's campus solar project,

highlighting its consistent dedication to research, education, and supporting regional renewable

energy projects. BU's campus solar project aims to use on-site installations to use solar energy's

potential fully. BU Wind now fulfills the university's electrical demands, but the goal of this

effort goes beyond that. The initiative aims to increase BU's profile in the area of climate action,

provide students with a platform for research and education, and support the local renewable

energy industry.
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2.0 Alignment with BU's Mission, Vision, and Values

Research and innovation are highly valued at BU. The campus solar project provides a real-

world setting for research on solar technology, efficiency enhancements, and grid integration.

Fostering interdisciplinary cooperation enables BU researchers to enhance solar energy and

tackle significant sustainability concerns. BU values involvement with the community and

actively supports the regional economy. By encouraging on-campus solar installations, the

project helps the local renewable energy industry by generating demand for solar equipment,

installation services, and maintenance. It encourages collaborations with neighborhood

companies, which helps to sustainably grow the economy and create jobs (Mission Statement,

n.d.).

3.0 BU Project Scope, Schedule, and Cost

The Boston University solar project's aim includes creating and applying a lab-scale

electrodynamic-screen self-cleaning solar technology. In order to increase energy production and

efficiency, the project intends to address the problem of dust deposition on solar collectors. The

novel method entails equipping solar collectors with an electrodynamic screen (EDS) film that is

transparent and can be activated to eliminate dust particles without water. The research focuses

on creating scalable production processes, extensively testing the EDS film technology in the

field, and determining how well it maintains high operating efficiency in solar energy systems

(BU Solar Sustainability, n.d.).

The project was unveiled on September 16, 2015, at the Solar Power International conference.

The material needs to include a precise timeline for the project's implementation. Developing

prototypes, testing those prototypes in the field, streamlining the production process, and field

testing are all common aspects of solar projects of this kind. The timeline would be determined
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by the degree of technological complexity, the accessibility of resources, and the precise

deadlines established by the project team. BU and its partners would decide on a specific project

timetable during the project planning stage.

Awarded funds from the CSP: APOLLO program of $1,150,000 was given to the Boston

University solar plant. The project also needs the awardee to contribute $390,864 toward the

project's costs. $1,540,864 would be spent on the project, including funding and cost-sharing. It

is significant to notice that neither the project cost breakdown nor the precise components

covered by the money are specified in the information supplied. The price would cover all

related costs for employees, equipment, and R&D, as well as the creation of prototypes,

manufacturing procedures, and field testing.

4.0 BU Project Impact

The number of students participating in educational and research activities, including internships,

coursework, and team projects, connected to solar energy can be used to gauge the project's

success. A qualitative evaluation of the project's educational impact can be made by tracking

student participation and feedback. The number of employment produced, the partnerships

formed with regional suppliers, and the overall expansion of the regional solar industry can all be

used to gauge the project's contribution to the local renewable energy economy. These metrics

illustrate how the initiative has benefited the neighborhood. Increased media attention, accolades

from sustainability groups, and involvement in regional, national, and international renewable

energy events are all ways to gauge BU's visibility in climate action (Sahoo, 2016). These

indicators demonstrate how well the project has increased awareness and motivate people to act.
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5.0 Conclusion

The campus solar project at Boston University is an excellent example of the university's

commitment to sustainability, education, and community involvement. By utilizing solar energy

through on-site installations, BU not only upholds its commitment to renewable energy but also

gives students beneficial chances for learning and research. The project's emphasis on the

regional economy of renewable energy and its potential to raise BU's profile in climate action

further strengthen its impact. Despite no precise financial measurements, the project's

effectiveness can be assessed using metrics like educational benefit, local economic influence,

visibility, and outreach. By showcasing the effectiveness of renewable energy in combating

climate change and promoting a sustainable future, BU's campus solar effort serves as a role

model for other academic institutions.

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References

BU Solar | Sustainability. (n.d.). Www.bu.edu. Retrieved July 5, 2023, from

https://www.bu.edu/sustainability/projects/bu-solar/

Mission Statement. (n.d.). Boston University.

https://www.bu.edu/about/mission-statement/

Sahoo, S. K. (2016). Renewable and sustainable energy reviews solar photovoltaic energy

progress in India: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 59, 927-939.