UBC Okanagan Campus Cashes In On The Sun

Solar panels for the solar hot water system on UBCO's Building M

A student housing building at UBC’s Kelowna campus has just been outfitted with a 28 panel solar hot water system. Building M, which provides affordable housing for first year students, will also be used as the main events and functions building throughout the summers to make the most of the energy savings.

"I think it’s unique, to have the system up at the university and it’s prominent from the hill so people will be able to see it," says David Poettcker, Project Assistant for the UBC Properties Trust, who worked to coordinate the install alongside Development Manager Dave Roche.

The install was carried out by SolarBC Registered Installers Swiss Solar Tech and is a smart move for this campus that lies in the heart of the Okanagan, which receives higher than average sun exposure in BC, throughout the year. With the university's objective to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, a desire has also been expressed to incorporate a solar hot water system on another affordable first year housing building.

"It’s very important to lead the way into a greener future and to show the young generation of students in colleges, universities or basically any school that alternative energy like solar really works," says Susan Huber of Swiss Solar Tech.

The system should be up and running for the start of the school year, and Poettcker is pleased with the result, which he hopes can be shown off to curious students and faculty. "In general, there are lots of campuses and universities reducing their carbon footprint and impact on the environment," he says. "This is just one more way to help."