Solar Solutions
(Page 2 of 4)
May/June 2008
by Deborah R. Huso
Since much of the cost of installing a PV system relates to installation, thin film solar laminates might make more sense than rigid glass-coated panels because they’re easier and, therefore, faster to install on a large scale. Static installations capture about 60 percent of the sunlight and are considerably less expensive than the dynamic systems that track the sun throughout the day.
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During the day, Whipple’s home is heated and powered entirely by the sun, and, when it comes to electricity, his system generates more than is consumed.
The considerable daily electrical excess is stored in a bank of maintenance-free gel cell batteries, which are completely sealed and have no corrosion-prone terminals. Whipple says the high-tech batteries can last as long as 15 to 20 years, while PV panels typically have a life expectancy of 50 years with virtually no maintenance. Whipple expects his entire system to pay for itself in 10 to 15 years.
Grabbing the grid
Since the vast majority of rural North America is already tied into the grid, one might wonder whether there’s any advantage to using solar technology in retrofitting an existing structure or building new. In both cases, the answer is yes. Passive solar heating design can reduce your dependence on both electricity and fossil fuels and will save you money in the long run no matter what fuels your primary heating system. But you can shave your energy bills even further with PV technology even if you are already plugged in.
It’s relatively easy to install a photovoltaic system on a farm that’s tied into the grid. Instead of using batteries to store excess electricity, you can rely on your provider. In some regions, power companies offer net metering programs where farmers get rebates for the electricity they pump into the grid. Alternatively, PV-generated power suppliers can sometimes credit their excess kilowatts against a current bill assuming they use more electricity than they generate.
Typically, the utility will base the credit on the lowest wholesale price, while charging full retail. Check with your local utility, county or state to find out what the rules are in your area.
Spirit of competition
Whipple says his company often bids against the local electric company for powering newly constructed buildings. The average home, he says, can generate all the electricity it needs with solar or a solar/wind combination for as little as $40,000 upfront investment. Whipple is realistic, though, and knows solar isn’t cost effective for all electric applications. “When you get into electric heat, it doesn’t work,” he says. “I push solar only when it makes economic sense.”