Shifting Solutions

Photovoltaics are 85 times more efficient

Solar installations in recent years have also largely begun to expand into residential areas, with governments offering incentive programs to make “green” energy a more economically viable option. In Canada the RESOP (Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program), introduced in 2006, and updated in 2009 with the passage of the Green Energy Act, allows residential homeowners in Ontario with solar panel installations to sell the energy they produce back to the grid (i.e., the government) at 42¢/kWh, while drawing power from the grid at an average rate of 6¢/kWh. The program is designed to help promote the government’s green agenda and lower the strain often placed on the energy grid at peak hours. In March, 2009 the proposed FIT was increased to 80¢/kWh for small, roof-top systems (‰¤10 kW) in solar powered homes.

Photovoltaics are 85 times as efficient as growing corn for ethanol. On a 300 feet (91 m) by 300 feet (1 hectare) plot of land enough ethanol can be produced to drive a car 30,000 miles (48,000 km) per year or 2,500,000 miles (4,020,000 km) by covering the same land with photo cells. The deserts of the South Western United States could produce sufficient electricity to fulfill all of the electrical needs of the United States, and could use electrolysis to produce Hydrogen from water to power aircraft.

The annual International Conference on Solar Photovoltaic Investments, organized by EPIA notes that photovoltaics provides a secure, reliable return on investment, with modules typically lasting 25 to 40 years and with a payback on investment of between 8 to 12 years.

Many people are looking for ways to “go green”,

particularly those do-it-yourself homeowners. To “go green” includes energy efficiency and if your home is already as energy-efficient as it it can be, then the next thing to do is generate your own electricity. This can be done so easily these days by using home solar systems . You can buy “Solar Home Kits” that show you clearly and easily how to be up and running in just days!

Here are just some of the benefits of a renewable energy system for your home.

1. Simple design. The national renewable energy lab can help you determine how much energy a system would produce in a year, based on where you’re located. Look on their website for a tool called PV Watts. The home solar system has similar tools and will show you in their manual and videos, how to simply design the system that is right for you. Remember it is very important to evaluate your home to find the place where you have the most unshaded sunshine all year long.
   
2. Simplistic structure. The relatively simple systems of grid-tied solar panels are mounted, usually on your roof, with easy to use mounting hardware, as clearly shown in the videos and manuals. Once installed, the panels are tied together into a gathering box, then wired to an inverter. That then converts the direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) suitable for your home and that matches the power grid. After that, just hook it up to your electric meter. Your utility company may insist on making the connection to the meter themselves, as they would need to install a bi-directional meter which would spin backwards when you generate more electricity than you can use. The utilities understand the need for renewable energy and would not charge for this service.
3. Everything is included. The “solar home kits” are a turn-key design. They are all-inclusive, meaning they show you how to find ALL the parts you need to successfully be up and running in just days!
   
4. User Friendly. The most important part of these solar home kits are the easy to follow instructions that any average do-it-yourself home owner can easily understand. No special tools are required. Ypu just need your basic home tools such as a wrench set, pliers, drill, hand tools, ladder, etc. and a little resolve. You may want to enlist the help of an electrician to test and make sure the electrical connections are secure.
5. Permits. You must remember to get the proper permits to install your solar home kits. The building department at City Hall has great resources and information on the best practices to use for your area. Your Solar Home Kits manuals have schematics and specifications that can be used to apply at the Permit counter for your permit and to approve your installation.
6. Customize your installation. If you want to replace your entire home power system with solar or just light up the shed out back, it’s easy to scale the instructions to meet your design. The Solar Home Kits can be used for lighting, security, remote power, telecommunications, and residential uses. These kits can be used for nearly any application.
7. Expandability. Would you like to convert the entire house, but can’t get it all done at once? No Problem. These systems are designed to be modular. In other words, build, install and use a few panels now, then add more later as your needs grow.
8. Incentives. Check out the tax rebates and grants that are available. The federal government has a 30% tax credit for renewable systems and most utilities and /or states have additional incentives. In Louisiana you can get 80% of your system paid for through these programs. In California almost 50% of the system can be paid for this way. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) is a great resource for this.