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Solar Energy: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Is It Viable In Florida? Florida? Presented By: Presented By: Carolyn Greene Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy Katie McCarthy

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Page 1: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Solar Energy:Solar Energy:Is It Viable In Florida?Is It Viable In Florida?

Presented By:Presented By:

Carolyn GreeneCarolyn Greene

Justin M. HojnackiJustin M. Hojnacki

Katie McCarthyKatie McCarthy

Page 2: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

The Greenhouse Effect & The Greenhouse Effect & Global Warming: What Does It Global Warming: What Does It

Mean?Mean?

The Greenhouse Effect is a natural The Greenhouse Effect is a natural process.process.

4 Greenhouse Gases: Water Vapor, 4 Greenhouse Gases: Water Vapor, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide & Carbon Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide & Methane.Methane.

Basically, these gases influence Basically, these gases influence climate by warming the lower climate by warming the lower troposphere and the earth’s surface.troposphere and the earth’s surface.

Page 3: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Diagram Of The Greenhouse Diagram Of The Greenhouse EffectEffect

From: Miller, G. (2005). From: Miller, G. (2005). Essentials of Ecology, Third Edition. Essentials of Ecology, Third Edition. Pacific Grove: Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole.Brooks/Cole.

Page 4: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Global WarmingGlobal Warming

It is suggested that humans are interfering It is suggested that humans are interfering with the natural Greenhouse Effect.with the natural Greenhouse Effect.

As we burn more fossil fuels and continue As we burn more fossil fuels and continue to clear forests, we are increasing the to clear forests, we are increasing the amount of Carbon Dioxide that is being amount of Carbon Dioxide that is being emitted into the atmosphere.emitted into the atmosphere.

This translates into more infrared radiation This translates into more infrared radiation being emitted into the troposphere.being emitted into the troposphere.

More infrared radiation equals more heat, More infrared radiation equals more heat, and thus the temperatures on the earth and thus the temperatures on the earth increase.increase.

Page 5: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Global Warming ContinuedGlobal Warming Continued

We have all heard of possible negative We have all heard of possible negative consequences from Global Warming:consequences from Global Warming:

Increased sea levels (coastal areas, Increased sea levels (coastal areas, including much of Florida may be under including much of Florida may be under water).water).

Massive crop failures due to Massive crop failures due to temperature and rainfall changes.temperature and rainfall changes.

A domino effect to all creatures on A domino effect to all creatures on earth.earth.

Page 6: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Reasons To Explore Alternative Reasons To Explore Alternative Fuel SourcesFuel Sources

The fear of the potential negative The fear of the potential negative consequences of Global Warming. consequences of Global Warming.

Instability in the Middle East Instability in the Middle East (increased oil costs).(increased oil costs).

Fossil fuels are not a sustainable Fossil fuels are not a sustainable source of energy – they will run out.source of energy – they will run out.

Page 7: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

One Alternative Energy One Alternative Energy SourceSource

SOLAR POWERSOLAR POWER

Page 8: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

History of Solar EnergyHistory of Solar Energy

The first recorded The first recorded use of solar energy use of solar energy came in 214 B.C.E. came in 214 B.C.E. when Archimedes when Archimedes set Roman set Roman warships aflame warships aflame with reflected with reflected sunlight.sunlight.

From http://www.answers.com/topic/archimedes-heat-ray-gif

Page 9: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

History ContinuedHistory Continued Dates to the nineteenth century.Dates to the nineteenth century. In 1839, Becquerel discovered the In 1839, Becquerel discovered the

photo effect.photo effect. The first functional intentionally The first functional intentionally

made photovoltaic device was made photovoltaic device was produced by Charles Fritts in 1883.produced by Charles Fritts in 1883.

In 1973, the first solar power In 1973, the first solar power residence came into existence in residence came into existence in Delaware in direct response to the oil Delaware in direct response to the oil embargo embargo

Page 10: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

The Scientific Makeup of a The Scientific Makeup of a Solar (Photovoltaic) CellSolar (Photovoltaic) Cell

A solar cell is defined as a A solar cell is defined as a semiconductor that converts the semiconductor that converts the energy of sunlight into electric energy of sunlight into electric energy.energy.

What are semiconductors? What are semiconductors? The most common semiconductor is The most common semiconductor is

silicon.silicon.

Page 11: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Bohr’s Atomic ModelBohr’s Atomic Model To understand semi conduction we will look at Bohr’s atomic model: To understand semi conduction we will look at Bohr’s atomic model: mm℮=9.1093897 ∙ 10-31 kg℮=9.1093897 ∙ 10-31 kg According to Bohr’s atomic model, electrons with rest mass revolve According to Bohr’s atomic model, electrons with rest mass revolve

around the atomic nucleus in an orbit with radius around the atomic nucleus in an orbit with radius rrn and angular n and angular frequency ωn. This orbital movement results in a frequency ωn. This orbital movement results in a centrifugal forcecentrifugal force::

FFz = z = mm℮ ∙ ℮ ∙ rrn ∙ ωn2n ∙ ωn2 Electrons, each with the Electrons, each with the elementary charge of an electronelementary charge of an electron e e = 1.60217733.10-19 A s = 1.60217733.10-19 A s are held in orbit around the nucleus of an atom by the attractive are held in orbit around the nucleus of an atom by the attractive

CCoulomb forceoulomb force:: FFc = 1/4π ∙ ε0 ∙ Ζ ∙ c = 1/4π ∙ ε0 ∙ Ζ ∙ ee2/2/ r rn2n2 where ε0 = 8.85418781762 .10-12 where ε0 = 8.85418781762 .10-12

A s/V mA s/V m and is called the permittivity or dielectric constant. However, for and is called the permittivity or dielectric constant. However, for

the photo effect, light with its photon energy can provide the the photo effect, light with its photon energy can provide the energy to lift an electron to a higher orbit. The photon energy is energy to lift an electron to a higher orbit. The photon energy is given by:given by:

Ε = h ∙ c/λ Ε = h ∙ c/λ with the wavelength λ and the speed of light c = 2.99792458 ∙ 108 with the wavelength λ and the speed of light c = 2.99792458 ∙ 108

m/s. On average, a photovoltaic cell has four electrons in the outer m/s. On average, a photovoltaic cell has four electrons in the outer shell, or orbit. These electrons are called valence electrons shell, or orbit. These electrons are called valence electrons (Quaschning, 2005, p.117-118).(Quaschning, 2005, p.117-118).

Page 12: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Huh?Huh?

What this means is, on average, on a What this means is, on average, on a bright sunny day, the sun shines bright sunny day, the sun shines approximately 1,000 watts of energy approximately 1,000 watts of energy per square meter of the planet’s per square meter of the planet’s surface, if we captured all of this surface, if we captured all of this energy into photovoltaic panels, or energy into photovoltaic panels, or large modules of panels, we will have large modules of panels, we will have enough solar powered energy to enough solar powered energy to easily run our homes.easily run our homes.

Page 13: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Basic Structure Of A Generic Basic Structure Of A Generic Silicon Photovoltaic CellSilicon Photovoltaic Cell

From (Aldous, 2000)

Page 14: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Solar Power Uses – Water Solar Power Uses – Water HeatersHeaters

Domestic water heating systems typically Domestic water heating systems typically use collectors that have much lower losses use collectors that have much lower losses of energy at high water temperatures. of energy at high water temperatures.

Using a solar thermal water heater, these Using a solar thermal water heater, these collectors can be: flat-plate, evacuated collectors can be: flat-plate, evacuated flat-plate, or evacuated tube collectors. flat-plate, or evacuated tube collectors.

Other components are a hot water storage Other components are a hot water storage tank, pump and control unit to ensure a tank, pump and control unit to ensure a hot water supply that is comfortable with hot water supply that is comfortable with what is expected with traditional systems. what is expected with traditional systems.

Page 15: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Solar Water Heating Solar Water Heating System DiagramSystem Diagram

From (Block and Harrison, 2006)

Page 16: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Why Haven’t Floridians Why Haven’t Floridians Adopted This Technology?Adopted This Technology?

Arguments against the use Arguments against the use of solar energy.of solar energy.

Page 17: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Arguments Against Solar Arguments Against Solar EnergyEnergy

Cost: Solar power is considerably Cost: Solar power is considerably more expensive than our current more expensive than our current sources of power and electricity. The sources of power and electricity. The high price of solar power deters high price of solar power deters consumer’s interests of converting to consumer’s interests of converting to solar power. solar power.

Funding for solar power is not a top Funding for solar power is not a top priority in Florida. priority in Florida.

Page 18: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Funding IssuesFunding Issues State funding for solar power in Florida has State funding for solar power in Florida has

not changed since the gas crisis in the not changed since the gas crisis in the 1970s. 1970s.

Stagnant at $3.3 million until 2006. Stagnant at $3.3 million until 2006. Rising fuel costs have changed funding Rising fuel costs have changed funding

policy regarding solar energy. policy regarding solar energy. In 2006, Florida’s state legislature set In 2006, Florida’s state legislature set

aside $25 million annually for over the aside $25 million annually for over the next four years to be used to promote the next four years to be used to promote the use of cleaner energy sources.use of cleaner energy sources.

Florida has $100 million to use in Florida has $100 million to use in encouraging Floridians to develop and use encouraging Floridians to develop and use alternative energy sources. alternative energy sources.

Page 19: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

If the state of Florida has If the state of Florida has $100 million to use to $100 million to use to

encourage its citizens to encourage its citizens to switch to solar power, why switch to solar power, why

haven’t we?haven’t we?

Florida Power and Light Florida Power and Light and their influences.and their influences.

Page 20: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Florida Power and Light Florida Power and Light (FPL)(FPL)

According to Florida Power & Light According to Florida Power & Light (FPL), it is expensive to convert sunlight (FPL), it is expensive to convert sunlight to useable electricity in Florida.to useable electricity in Florida.

FPL contends it would be very FPL contends it would be very expensive if Florida were to install solar expensive if Florida were to install solar materials in residences and businesses materials in residences and businesses across the state, and the pay back across the state, and the pay back would not been seen until many years would not been seen until many years down the road. down the road.

Page 21: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Are these genuine Are these genuine reasons, or is FPL simply reasons, or is FPL simply

afraid of losing their afraid of losing their monopoly on Florida’s monopoly on Florida’s

energy market?energy market?

Page 22: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

FPL ContinuedFPL Continued

FPL maintains that there is not FPL maintains that there is not enough demand in Florida to have enough demand in Florida to have mass production funding for solar mass production funding for solar energy.energy.

However if the public was correctly However if the public was correctly informed about the benefits of solar informed about the benefits of solar energy, perhaps the demand would energy, perhaps the demand would increase dramatically. increase dramatically.

Let us not forget that FPL pays a lot of Let us not forget that FPL pays a lot of money for marketing their agenda.money for marketing their agenda.

Page 23: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Cheap Fossil FuelsCheap Fossil Fuels

Only about 1% of Florida’s energy Only about 1% of Florida’s energy needs are met by “green” energy.needs are met by “green” energy.

Our state (and most of the country) is Our state (and most of the country) is hooked on the low cost of fossil fuels. hooked on the low cost of fossil fuels.

We are very much a crack (cocaine) We are very much a crack (cocaine) addict, except our crack is fossil fuels. addict, except our crack is fossil fuels.

We are addicted to fossil fuels because We are addicted to fossil fuels because they are readily available and cheap they are readily available and cheap when compared to the costs of solar when compared to the costs of solar power. power.

Page 24: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

However the United However the United States fails to include States fails to include environmental costs in environmental costs in the price of fossil fuels. the price of fossil fuels. If this were to be done, If this were to be done,

fossil fuels would no fossil fuels would no longer appear as cheap. longer appear as cheap.

Page 25: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

FPL ContinuedFPL Continued FPL has 4.4 million customer FPL has 4.4 million customer

accounts in Florida accounts in Florida Of that 4.4 million, only 26,000 Of that 4.4 million, only 26,000

customers have voluntarily signed up customers have voluntarily signed up for Sunshine Energy, a renewable for Sunshine Energy, a renewable energy program that was launched energy program that was launched by FPL in 2004.by FPL in 2004.

They maintain that the interest level They maintain that the interest level by consumers for solar energy is just by consumers for solar energy is just not there. not there.

Page 26: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

By a show of hands, By a show of hands, how many people how many people here have heard of here have heard of

the Sunshine Energy the Sunshine Energy Program?Program?

Page 27: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

What FPL Doesn’t Tell YouWhat FPL Doesn’t Tell You

Lack of marketing and public Lack of marketing and public knowledge about the Sunshine knowledge about the Sunshine Energy program. Energy program.

FPL promised to increase funding for FPL promised to increase funding for solar energy based on the amount of solar energy based on the amount of people who signed up for this people who signed up for this program. program.

FPL could lose a portion of their $11 FPL could lose a portion of their $11 billion a year profit to the sun. billion a year profit to the sun.

Page 28: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Other Arguments Against The Other Arguments Against The Use Of Solar PowerUse Of Solar Power

Solar power production takes up a lot Solar power production takes up a lot of space and requires a lot of land to of space and requires a lot of land to function. function.

The solar panels used in harnessing The solar panels used in harnessing solar power require a large amount solar power require a large amount of space. of space.

Page 29: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

However this does not However this does not apply to the individual apply to the individual

consumer. Most consumer. Most residences can be residences can be

outfitted with small roof-outfitted with small roof-top photovoltaic panels top photovoltaic panels

that can generate that can generate enough electricity for enough electricity for

their needs. their needs.

Page 30: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Other Countries Have Had Other Countries Have Had Success. Why Can’t We?Success. Why Can’t We?

Germany and Japan have success in Germany and Japan have success in using renewable sources for energy. using renewable sources for energy. They lead the world in the use of They lead the world in the use of wind and solar power. wind and solar power.

They are able to do this because They are able to do this because they have effective policies and they have effective policies and subsidies for alternative forms of subsidies for alternative forms of energy. energy.

Page 31: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

The U.S. Compared to Japan The U.S. Compared to Japan and Germanyand Germany

As the graph above shows, the United States spends As the graph above shows, the United States spends more money on renewable energy than Germany more money on renewable energy than Germany and Japan. and Japan.

However, we are not using this money as efficiently.However, we are not using this money as efficiently.From From

(http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/rea_issues/fig8s.html)(http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/rea_issues/fig8s.html)

Page 32: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Additional Con ArgumentsAdditional Con Arguments

Geography Geography Only about sixty-five percent of the Only about sixty-five percent of the

sun’s light reaches the surface of the sun’s light reaches the surface of the Earth.Earth.

Clouds reduce efficiency of system. Clouds reduce efficiency of system. In many areas of Florida the sun is In many areas of Florida the sun is

blocked by clouds and rain, making it blocked by clouds and rain, making it an unreliable source of constant an unreliable source of constant power. power.

Page 33: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

How does FPL explain How does FPL explain the successes of solar the successes of solar power in countries like power in countries like Germany? It does not Germany? It does not take a statistician to take a statistician to

determine that Florida determine that Florida has more sunny days has more sunny days

than Germany!than Germany!

Page 34: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Despite evidence and logic Despite evidence and logic to the contrary, FPL still to the contrary, FPL still

maintains that solar power maintains that solar power does not provide Florida does not provide Florida with an economical and with an economical and constant enough way to constant enough way to heat and cool residences heat and cool residences

and buildings as other and buildings as other resources (coal, natural resources (coal, natural

gas, and oil) do.gas, and oil) do.

Page 35: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Arguments Supporting the Use Arguments Supporting the Use of Solar Energyof Solar Energy

We have abundant and cheap fossil fuels.We have abundant and cheap fossil fuels. Many geologists and physicists believe the Many geologists and physicists believe the

abundance is coming to an end.abundance is coming to an end. The United States consistently fails to The United States consistently fails to

incorporate the costs of environmental incorporate the costs of environmental damage into the prices of these fossil damage into the prices of these fossil fuels. fuels.

It is these very costs which increase It is these very costs which increase exponentially and will eventually outweigh exponentially and will eventually outweigh the short-term savings we as a society the short-term savings we as a society may have reaped by utilizing fossil fuels. may have reaped by utilizing fossil fuels.

Page 36: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Where The U.S. Gets Its Where The U.S. Gets Its PowerPower

According to the Energy Information According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2005, 49.7% of all Administration, in 2005, 49.7% of all U.S. electricity was generated from U.S. electricity was generated from coal.coal.

Only 2.3% of electricity was Only 2.3% of electricity was produced by other renewables.produced by other renewables.

Page 37: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

U.S. Electric Power Net U.S. Electric Power Net Generation In 2005Generation In 2005

From (http://www.eia.doe.gov)

Page 38: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Coal is cheap. Coal is cheap. We have reaped the We have reaped the

benefits without benefits without recognizing its liabilities.recognizing its liabilities.

Carbon dioxide release Carbon dioxide release leads to global warming.leads to global warming.

Page 39: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Coal and its LiabilitiesCoal and its Liabilities

According to the Department of Energy According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency, and Environmental Protection Agency, estimated emissions of carbon dioxide estimated emissions of carbon dioxide produced by coal-fired generation of produced by coal-fired generation of electricity were 1,788 million metric tons electricity were 1,788 million metric tons in 1999. in 1999.

Coal has the highest carbon intensity Coal has the highest carbon intensity among fossil fuels, resulting in coal-fired among fossil fuels, resulting in coal-fired plants having the highest output rate of plants having the highest output rate of carbon dioxide per kilowatthour. carbon dioxide per kilowatthour.

Page 40: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

With this amount of pollution With this amount of pollution being introduced into our being introduced into our environment every year, we environment every year, we have two choices: have two choices:

We can be reactive and try to We can be reactive and try to deal with the results of our deal with the results of our consequences later (which is consequences later (which is proving to be a failing choice)proving to be a failing choice)

We can be proactive and try to We can be proactive and try to eliminate the problems at their eliminate the problems at their source. source.

Page 41: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Benefits of Solar EnergyBenefits of Solar Energy

It is a renewable energy source. It is a renewable energy source. The initial costs can be expensive, The initial costs can be expensive,

but the long term savings can be but the long term savings can be great. great.

After all, the sun won’t raise its After all, the sun won’t raise its prices on us.prices on us.

Page 42: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Benefits of Solar EnergyBenefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy does not contribute to Solar energy does not contribute to pollution and this is considered a clean pollution and this is considered a clean energy source. energy source. UsingUsing it produces no it produces no greenhouse gases and this does not greenhouse gases and this does not contribute to global warming. contribute to global warming.

It should be noted that the It should be noted that the manufacturing of the photovoltaic manufacturing of the photovoltaic cells does produce a limited amount of cells does produce a limited amount of carbon dioxide.carbon dioxide.

Page 43: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Wal-MartWal-Mart Wal-Mart has decided to join the green Wal-Mart has decided to join the green

revolution. revolution. The retailer will receive proposals from The retailer will receive proposals from

companies that are interested in installing companies that are interested in installing solar power equipment at a yet-to-be solar power equipment at a yet-to-be determined number of stores in as many as determined number of stores in as many as five U.S. states five U.S. states

Just as they’ve brought low prices to Just as they’ve brought low prices to consumer goods, they could bring everyday consumer goods, they could bring everyday low costs to renewables by using their scale low costs to renewables by using their scale to push the technology and bring down the to push the technology and bring down the price.price.

Page 44: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Individual Investments inIndividual Investments in Solar Energy Solar Energy

A man recently built a new home in North Port A man recently built a new home in North Port Estates, Florida that utilizes solar energy to power Estates, Florida that utilizes solar energy to power roughly 70% of his needs. roughly 70% of his needs.

His solar power system is powerful enough to run His solar power system is powerful enough to run all his major appliances except his air conditioner all his major appliances except his air conditioner and his oven.and his oven.

He does receive a small amount of power from He does receive a small amount of power from Florida Power and Light, and has them ability to Florida Power and Light, and has them ability to use more if needed. use more if needed.

After his initial investment for the solar After his initial investment for the solar equipment, this man will pay about one third the equipment, this man will pay about one third the cost of what a typical Florida Power and Light cost of what a typical Florida Power and Light customer pays for electricity. customer pays for electricity.

Page 45: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

More Benefits of Solar More Benefits of Solar PowerPower

Using solar power to run the water heater Using solar power to run the water heater alone provides the same environmental alone provides the same environmental benefits and energy savings as taking an benefits and energy savings as taking an average car off the road.average car off the road.

In the aftermath of a major storm or a In the aftermath of a major storm or a hurricane, the homeowner will still have hurricane, the homeowner will still have electricity. electricity.

The Environmental Protection Agency said The Environmental Protection Agency said that by using just two kilowatts of that by using just two kilowatts of photovoltaic capacity, a person can reduce photovoltaic capacity, a person can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions equal to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions equal to driving 6,200 miles in a car.driving 6,200 miles in a car.

Page 46: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Starting Simple: Photovoltaic Starting Simple: Photovoltaic Water HeatersWater Heaters

A simple way for an average homeowner A simple way for an average homeowner to utilize solar energy is by using a solar to utilize solar energy is by using a solar powered water heater. powered water heater.

A photovoltaic panel can be placed on a A photovoltaic panel can be placed on a non-shaded, south-facing portion of the non-shaded, south-facing portion of the home’s roof, and would supply more than home’s roof, and would supply more than enough power to function the average enough power to function the average consumer’s hot water heater. consumer’s hot water heater.

According to one online retailer, an According to one online retailer, an average system including installation average system including installation would cost between $6,000 and $8,000 would cost between $6,000 and $8,000 and can last as long as twenty years. and can last as long as twenty years.

During a twenty-year period, one solar During a twenty-year period, one solar water heater can avoid over fifty tons of water heater can avoid over fifty tons of carbon dioxide emissions. carbon dioxide emissions.

Page 47: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Some Simple MathSome Simple Math

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2005, there were 8,256, 847 housing units 2005, there were 8,256, 847 housing units in the state of Florida. in the state of Florida.

If every one of these homeowners installed If every one of these homeowners installed a photovoltaic water heater, nearly 413 a photovoltaic water heater, nearly 413 million tons of carbon dioxide could be million tons of carbon dioxide could be eliminated from the environment in a eliminated from the environment in a twenty-year period. twenty-year period.

Reducing the greenhouse effect and global Reducing the greenhouse effect and global warmingwarming

Save consumers millions of dollars in non-Save consumers millions of dollars in non-renewable energy costs. renewable energy costs.

Page 48: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Solar Energy is Becoming Solar Energy is Becoming More AffordableMore Affordable

In addition to state subsidies, the In addition to state subsidies, the technology used in solar power is technology used in solar power is improving and becoming more improving and becoming more affordable. affordable.

A new process could reduce the cost A new process could reduce the cost of panels by as much as 75%. of panels by as much as 75%.

This technology is scheduled to be This technology is scheduled to be released in just two years. released in just two years.

Page 49: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Competitive Pricing in the Competitive Pricing in the Near FutureNear Future

If this is the case, then the current If this is the case, then the current price of an $8,000 photovoltaic water price of an $8,000 photovoltaic water heater system would cost only heater system would cost only $2,000, which is priced competitively $2,000, which is priced competitively with many high efficiency standard with many high efficiency standard water heaters today. water heaters today.

Benefits of capitalism: prices go Benefits of capitalism: prices go down as demand goes up.down as demand goes up.

Page 50: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

Table of Targets and Table of Targets and Projections for Solar Power for Projections for Solar Power for

2004 to 20502004 to 2050

From (http://seia.org/roadmap)

Page 51: Solar Energy: Is It Viable In Florida? Presented By: Carolyn Greene Justin M. Hojnacki Katie McCarthy

ConclusionConclusion

Solar energy is viable not only in Florida, Solar energy is viable not only in Florida, but nearly everywhere on earth.but nearly everywhere on earth.

It is our opinion that once the price of solar It is our opinion that once the price of solar systems becomes competitive with current systems becomes competitive with current forms of power that states should forms of power that states should mandate their use on some level.mandate their use on some level.

Until then, states and the federal Until then, states and the federal government should continue to offer government should continue to offer incentives and subsidies for businesses incentives and subsidies for businesses and individuals who would like to and individuals who would like to implement the use of solar technology.implement the use of solar technology.

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References For References For Graphs/IllustrationsGraphs/Illustrations

Aldous, S. (2000). Aldous, S. (2000). How Solar Cells Work. How Solar Cells Work. Retrieved February 6, 2007 from Retrieved February 6, 2007 from http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm.http://science.howstuffworks.com/solar-cell.htm.

Anonymous author. Retrieved on March 17, 2007 from Anonymous author. Retrieved on March 17, 2007 from http://www.answers.com/topic/archimedes-heat-ray-gif.

Anonymous author. Retrieved on March 14, 2007 from http://seia.org.

Block, D & Harrison, J. (2006). Solar Water Heating a Question and Answer Primer. Retrieved February 6, 2007 from http://www.solarenergy.com/ws400CS.cgi?category=water_heating.html&cart_id=1070211021012930&dci=

Electric power annual. (October 4, 2006). Retrieved on February 3, 2007 from http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/electricity/epa/epa_sum.html.

Federal Photovoltaic R & D Budgets, United States, Japan, and Germany, 1981 – 1999. (2003). Retrived on March 14, 2007 from http://www.eia.doe.gov/cneaf/solar.renewables/rea_issues/fig8s.html.

Miller, G. (2005). Miller, G. (2005). Essentials of Ecology, Third Edition. Essentials of Ecology, Third Edition. Pacific Grove: Pacific Grove: Brooks/Cole.Brooks/Cole.

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Questions?Questions?