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Proposal for an Enerfusion Solar Dok

Matthew Singer, Senior, Richard Stockton College

Assisted by:

Scott Mangino, Complex Director, Housing 4 & 5

February 27, 2012


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Table of Contents

Abstract---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

Rationale--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

The Problem-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3

The Solution--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-4

Implementation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Total Costs--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

Timeline-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5

Assessment-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Appendix 1-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7

Appendix 2-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8

Appendix 3-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9

Works Cited--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10


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Abstract

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey has made great strides in the realm of sustainable

energy. This includes the 850+ kW solar array over freshman parking and a new array being

erected on the north parking lot of campus (Stockton 2009). Providing green solar energy to

the school is an obvious way to reduce its carbon footprint, but solar technology also offersindirect ways to reduce campus related energy use.

A new product in the solar market called the Solar Dok from Enerfusion Inc. enables students

to charge and operate personal electronics independent of the campus electric system. According

to Enerfusion the Solar Dok provides energy via 3 solar panels on an overhang above a picnic

table made of recycled plastics. Power is channeled through 4 110 volt AC outlets and 2 USB

power outlets. Solar Dok stations can also be used at night due to incorporated battery storage

and LED lights for visibility.

Enerfusions product offers an attractive option to reducing energy loads in campus buildings byallowing students to power and charge their devices outdoors. Although these Solar Dok devices

will not realistically be used year round, one could expect possible usage in the late spring

semester, summer semester, and early fall semester. Acquiring these Solar Doks also

demonstrates Stocktons continued dedication towards sustainable energy and providing their

students with alternative energy options.

Rationale

The Problem

It is not outlandish to say that students at colleges and universities like Richard Stockton aremajor energy consumers. According to a Ball State University study for example, 99.8% of

college students own a cell phone (Huffington Post 2010). In addition to this, a study by

EDUCAUSE found that 75.8% of students owned a laptop and 36% actually owned two

computers (ars technica 2008). All these devices have batteries and all campus residents must

use the schools electrical supply to charge them.

Having so many students with demands for charging their personal electronics takes away from

energy available to the rest of campus operations. This detracts from energy that could be used

for increased or improved educational technology such as computer labs, TVs, and other new

technologies.

The Solution

One way to divert students energy demand out of campus facilities is to provide other charging

options. An innovative way to do this is to employ Enerfusions Solar Dok system in a strategic

area(s) of campus (see appendix 1). Students already frequent common areas during fair weather

and allowing them to use/charge portable devices may increase this.


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Fortunately, other Universities around the country have already taken the initiative to install

these devices on their campuses. According to University of Rochester Green News their Solar

Dok is an, example of the comprehensive approach to green practice on campus (UR 2011).

The Solar Dok has also been implemented at the University of Florida where Sharon Blansett of

housing says, The Solar Dok project provides functionality and the ability to educated residents

about solar energyPlus its high profile you cant miss seeing it! (UF 2011). I also

contacted Greg Bowers from housing at the University of Florida and he has provided me with

some firsthand feedback about their Solar Dok unit (see appendix 2).

Implementation

It would be wise to implement this project incrementally considering it is an experimental idea.

Therefore it would be best to start with just 1 Solar Dok and evaluate its effectiveness over a

period of time. Enerfusion quotes their base model at about $8,500 and their upgraded model at

about $10,500. The upgrades include extra outlets, an extra solar panel for those outlets, and

upgraded nighttime LED lighting.

Shipping and installation of the Solar Dok is extra and Enerfusion has quoted Stockton at about

$1,250. They will send out two employees to assemble the unit which requires a concrete

platform for installation. Enerfusion is also willing to make the installation into an interactive

learning experience by allowing a class or two to be involved or simply view the installation

process (see appendix 3). This would be a great hands-on opportunity for students in the new

sustainability degree here at Stockton.

High traffic campus areas or residential courtyards should be used for the pilot project (see

appendix 1). It will be important to choose an area that has great solar access and high frequencyof pedestrian traffic. Complex Director Scott Mangino and I have discussed potential areas for

the first unit and our results are represented on a campus map in the appendices.

In order to ensure adequate usage of the Solar Dok it will be wise to implement both email

blasts and advertisements around campus. Email blasts would involve informing both faculty

and students about the presence of the new Solar Dok and what it has to offer. Advertising the

Solar Dok around campus would involve printing about 100 color posters just as Residential Life

does for student events and activities already. Each color print costs $0.35 each, so 100 would

cost around $35 total. Posters should include: pictures of the Solar Dok, location(s) of the Dok,

and services that the Dok provides.


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Total Costs

1 Solar Dok + 100 Posters $9,785 - $11,785

Enerfusion Solar Dok------------------------------------------------------------$8,500 - $10,500

Shipping/Installation--------------------------------------------------------------------------$1,250100 Color Posters---------------------------------------------------------------------------------$35

2 Solar Doks + 100 Posters $19,535 - $23,535

2 Enerfusion Solar Doks--------------------------------------------------------$17,000 - $21,000

Shipping/Installation-----------------------------------------------------------------------$2,500**

100 Color Posters----------------------------------------------------------------------------------$35

**Enerfusion has told Complex Director Scott Mangino that ordering more than one Solar Dok

would decrease the shipping/installation costs per unit. Therefore the range for two Solar Dokscan be expected to be slightly lower than the range quoted here.

Timeline

1- [Winter Break 2012]a. Communicate with Enerfusion about interest and intent to purchase a Solar Dok

2- [Winter Break 2012]a. Arranged for delivery and installation

3- [January/February 2013]a. Email blast in early spring semester about the incoming Solar Dok and what it has

to offer students.

4- [January/February 2013]a. Design, print, and distribute color posters advertising the Solar Dok with details

on services provided and location(s)

5- [March 2013]a. Installation in mid-spring semester (preferably in March/April)

i. Notify Sustainability and Environmental Science classes about hands-onlearning experience mentioned previously

6- [March 2013]a. Possible publicized opening ceremony of the 1st Solar Dok

7- [March 2013October 2013]a. Initial evaluation period of about 8 months (depending on installation date)

i. Target set for March/April through September/October


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Appendix 2

Email Response from Greg Bowers of the University of Florida

Hi Matt,

I am the Residence Director of Diamond Village, which is part of Graduate & Family Housinghere at the University of Florida. I understand that you would like to know about our Solar Dok.Here is an overview:

-Strong use during the day when weather is cool or sun is shaded by the device umbrella

-Very bright at night when lights are turned on

-Multiple ports allow for students to use multiple laptops

-During the day, we were able to power an amplified sound system without significant batterydrain

-No reports of drained battery at night (manufacturer told us it provides about 22 laptop hoursof use under battery power

-Stickers on cloth do not last and screen printing is recommended

-Requires concrete slab/foundation for construction

-Digital readout displays the charge state and battery levels

-Manufacturer is able to customize colors or fabric, table, and benches

-All plastic is recycled

-Batteries are Gel Pack and designed to withstand high heat

I hope this helps. Our Solar Dok is quite popular with our residents and, when combined withother sustainability initiatives, serves to showcase what green thinking can do! Let me know if

you have any other questions.

Best,

Greg Bowers


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Appendix 3

Email from Scott Mangino After Speaking with Enerfusion via Phone

Matt,

I spoke with the company. Please see the below information about the cost. Also some otherthings to point out that I discussed with Joe:

They send two staff members out to install. They are very willing to make it an interactivelearning experience. They will allow students/a class to come out and help with the install or tosimply observe the install.

Shipping/install is less expensive per table if we order more than one.

Maintenance:

o Essentially maintenance free

o Batteries are meant to last 7-9 years

o Solar Panels = 10 years

o All plastic is highly durable and made from 100% recycled plastic

o All metal is stainless steal

Thanks,

Scott


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Works Cited

Allen, Susan & Kelly, Tim. (2009, October). Stockton College to Dedicate Nations LargestSolar Carport on Oct. 27. Retrieved fromhttp://intraweb.stockton.edu/eyos/extaffairs/content/docs/pressrel/StocktonDedicationOfS

olarCarports2009PressRelease.pdf

Anderson, Nate. (2008).Laptop Ownership Spikes Among Increasingly Wired College Students.Retrieved from http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/news/2007/09/american-students-awash-in-gadgets.ars

Blansett, Sharon & Bowers, Greg. (2011, August). UF Housing Installs Diamond Village SolarDok. Retrieved from http://news.ufl.edu/2011/08/10/solar-dok/

Huffington Post. (2010, August). 99.8% Of College Students Have Cell Phones: Ball State Study.Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/28/998-of-college-students-

h_n_628161.html

Kerem, Michaela. (2011, October).New Solar Powered Charging Station Added to Campus.Retrieved from http://www.rochester.edu/sustainability/URGreenNews/Vol1Issue4.pdf

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