Solar Energy

Production - photovoltaic

• Convert light into electricity
• Uses cells of crystalline silicone
• These absorb photons that in turn free up electrons that get fed into a transformer

Production - solar concentration

• Mirrors reflecting and concentrating sunlight unto a receiver
• The receiver contains a molten salt mixture storing the heat
• The heat is used to power steam turbines

Spae-based solar power

• Satellite carries photovoltaic cells
• Energy is collected and conveyed to earth via laser beam or electromagnetic waves
• Projects is still in phase 0

History

• 1970 oil crisis jump- started renewable energy industry
• Department of Energy licensed 9 prototypes in California’s Mojave Desert
• 1980’s price per barrel (ppb) for oil went down and stalled the industry for renewable energy
• 1990’s high ppb, awareness for global warming and finite resources of fossil fuels industry is profitable
• Energy Policy Act of 2005 gives tax credits and incentives
• The Bush administration did not continue the incentives for self generation, but extended for solar power plants until 2014.

Advantages

• Solar energy is available in abundance, non- polluting and easy accessible
• Broad usage: powering electric cars, heating homes and supplying energy to industry and cities
• The peak supply is during high sun exposure = during peak time of peak demand

Disadvantages

• Requires large and level area that is well connected to urban centers
• The shade provided by cells/mirrors alters ecosphere
• Mirrors distract wildlife (e.g. birds) and may interfere with air traffic
• It is not yet cost effective without incentives

Solar Energy Feasibility

• Tennessee Poultry Farm Study
• Energy needed to run fans and lighting
• Large area available for photovoltaic cells
• Applied all available incentives on state and federal level
• Concluded only with incentives the system is cost effective

Barriers

• Not cost effective
• Licensing process long and complicated
• Federal incentives end December 2008 due to Economic Stabilization Act

Breakthrough for Solar Energy- August 21, 2007 on CBC News - video