Solar Energy: The Next Frontier

By:Kelsey BradleyJerry Carpenter

Brent Gullett

Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic systems are systems that produce electricity from direct sunlight.

They produce clean, reliable energy without using any fossil fuels.

They are becoming more popular in daily society.

How do the Photovoltaic panels work?

A solar panel is made up of a number of solar cells, which are made from thin wafers of silicon.

When photons of sunlight hit a solar panel, some are absorbed into the solar cells.

As this happens, the photon’s energy knocks loose some of the modified silicon’s electrons.

The loose electrons are forced by electric fields in the panel to flow along wires that have been placed within the cells.

The flow of electrons through the wires is electricity that will provide power for whatever is attached to the panel.

Photovoltaic Panels in the Home

It is always more cost effective to invest in energy efficiency than to install a larger PV system.

The average American household uses 600 kWh of electricity each month.

In an area that receives a lot of sun a 2 kW PV system can produce 300 kWh of electricity per month.

To be able to generate 2 kW of power you will need 240 ft2 (12’x20’)of solar panels.

Pros of Solar Energy

Panels produce no pollution. The only pollution that is produced is through the manufacturing of the cells.

Solar energy creates no noise. Solar panels can be easily installed on rooftops, so no

land is sacrificed for individual residential applications. Once installed, cells provide a free source of electricity. This form of electricity allows the consumer to become

less dependent on the world’s limited fossil fuel supplies.

Property Tax Exemptions Selling excess energy

Cons of Solar Energy

Initial cost of the cells is high, which makes the installation of solar panels very costly.

Solar energy can only be produced during the day, and batteries must be installed to harness the electricity for periods of darkness or bad weather.

Pollution levels and the weather can affect the efficiency of the solar cells.

Ranch Style House Roof Pitch: 6/12 House Stories: 1 House Square Footage: 3014

Asphalt Shingles 3-tab, 25 Year: $4,306 Slate Vermont: $25,928 Steel Panels, standing rib colored: $7,313 Concrete Tile Standard: $16,509 Aluminum Shingles, colored: $20,710 Aluminum Tiles, Spanish: $17,795 Wood Shingles, No1 Cedar: $13,018 Clay Tile, Spanish, Standard: $20,505 Solar Shingles: $90,812

Maturity Rate of Investment

Using the cost of solar shingles compared to asphalt shingles we determined that it will take approximately 23 years of use for the shingle’s production of electricity to financially benefit the homeowner. This data was found by assuming that the homeowner spends on average $2500 annually on electricity.

$90,812 Total Cost of Solar Shingles -30% Energy Efficient Tax Credit $63,568 -$4,500 Cost of Asphalt Shingles $59,068 /$2,500 Average electrical cost annually 23 years

Negative Impacts

The amount of space necessary to build a solar power plant.

They are more expensive, but as production increases, the price will drop.

Pollution from production of the panels.

Positive Impacts

Producing electricity from solar cells reduces air pollutants by about 90% in comparison to using conventional fossil fuel technologies.

About 95% of silicon crystalline solar panel can be recycled including the frame, silicon materials, and copper wiring.

Not relying on the use of non-renewable resources.

Ways to Conserve Electricity

Buy Energy Star Appliances Use compact fluorescent light bulbs Install low flow shower heads Recycle Plant shade trees Unplug electrical devices “Weatherize” your home

References

20 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO CONSERVE ENERGY. (n.d.). Earth Friendly Products, organic gifts, organic products, natural products, eco-friendly, organic, non toxic, green guide, sustainable, recycled, hemp, solar . Retrieved April 2, 2010, from http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/20things.htm

For Older Kids (ages 12 - 112) | Solar Energy International. (n.d.). Solar Training & Renewable Energy Education for a Sustainable Future | Solar Energy International. Retrieved April 2, 2010, from http://www.solarenergy.org/older-kids

Home Improvement Contractor Matching Service and Resources. (n.d.). Home Improvement Contractor Matching Service and Resources. Retrieved April 3, 2010, from http://www.improvenet.com

References Cont.

Pros And Cons Of Solar Energy | Renewable Energy. (n.d.). Renewable Energy from Solar Panels, Wind Turbines and Geo Thermal Generators For Reduced Power Costs. Retrieved April 1, 2010, from http://www.solarpowerwindenergy.org/2010/01/26/pros-and-cons-of-solar-energy/

Solar Power at Home. Alternative energy solutions for homeowners.. (n.d.). Solar Power at Home. Alternative energy solutions for homeowners.. Retrieved April 1, 2010, from http://www.solarpowerathome.com

Solar electricity for homes. (n.d.). Energy Efficient Homes - Save Money, Save Energy, and Go Green. Retrieved April 2, 2010, from http://www.green-energy-efficient-homes.com/solar-electricity-for-homes.html#solar_shingle_roofing

References Cont.

Battery Back-up Power Emergency Backup Power. Solar Panels from Wholesale Solar Renewable Energy . Retrieved April 2, 2010, from http://www.wholesalesolar.com/back-up-power.html

Solar energy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved April 1, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_energy

Solar Energy Tax Credit-Solar Energy Tax Credit Details. My Dollar Plan Retirement, Tax, and Personal Finance Tips. Retrieved April 1, 2010, from http://www.mydollarplan.com/solar-energy-tax-credit-will-you-install-solar-panels