Stanford University has a solar expansion project that is expected to be completed in November. This is part of the school's efforts toward more renewable energy.
Stanford Daily reported that the solar expansion project will be placed with existing rooftop panels in order to produce 53 percent of the school's energy by the end of this year. The project will include a solar plant in Southern California and 16 new rooftop solar panels which will be placed on buildings throughout the campus.
With these additions, it is expected that 65 percent of Stanford University's energy will be provided by the solar panels. This figure is more than double the current percentage.
"We want to reach out, excite and educate as many students that pass through Stanford as possible," Joseph Stagner, Executive Director of Sustainability and Energy Management at Stanford, said. "That's where the power lies: in the knowledge, education and commitment of those who leave Stanford."
Stanford's solar expansion project is part of its efforts for sustainability. It joins other projects like the addition of electric vehicles in the Marguerite bus fleet. This is believed to increase the visibility of renewable energy at the university.
"It gives us a segue to talk to students about the value proposition of solar power and renewable energy," Stagner added. "Imagine the influence we could have on others if we could get 100 universities to do the same thing."
He also hopes that the project will make Stanford known as the leader of renewable energy. Some are concerned, though, that the project will not push the university toward a more sustainable future.
Stanford University has recently been deemed as the most innovative college in the world by Reuters. The school has also recently nabbed the top spot in The Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education's college rankings list.
Stanford is described as a school that will engage students' minds. It also has a diverse student body as well as plenty of resources for its community to use.
