Update on Solar Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal

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Update on Solar Photovoltaics and Solar Thermal

• October 25, 2007
• High Performance Schools
• John Hoffner

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1. Photovoltaics - Technology and
applications 2. Solar Thermal - Technology
and applications 3. Policies and incentive
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Short Video

• Solon PV

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Cells, Modules, and Arrays
- Photovoltaic Update
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How Cells Work
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Cell Market
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Commercial Solar Cells

• Single-Crystal Silicon
• Poly-Crystal Silicon
• Thin-films

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Most common and commercialSingle (or Mono
Crystalline) Silicon
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Other types of cells

• Poly-crystal
• Thin-film
• Ribbon type

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Emerging Technologies and Players

• - New Thin Films CIS, CadTeluride
• - New Players, Big Players (Applied Materials,
  Ted Turner)
• - Nano-solar techniques
• NanoSolar in California - Electrically
  Conductive Plastics
• Konarka Polymer and dye-sensitized solar cell
  have flexible cells about 5 efficient

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NanoSolar
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Global Solar PV MWs Shipped
10,400MW in 2010 (forecast) 2500MW in 2006
(est.) 1759MW in 2005
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Module Cost Decline as Industry Grows (Source
Strategies Unlimited, PHOTON Consulting)
/kW
2006 2,200
3,000
2,000
2010 1,450
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Whats Next with PV?

• I think there is a world market for maybe five
  computers
• Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.

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Whats Next?

• I have traveled the length and breadth of this
  country and talked with the best people, and I
  can assure you that data processing is a fad that
  wont last out the year.
• The editor in charge of business books for
  Prentice Hall, 1957.

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Whats Next?

• But, what is it good for?
• Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems
  Division of IBM, 1968 commenting on the
  microchip.

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Whats Next?

• There is no reason anyone would want a computer
  in their home.
• Ken Olson, president, Digital Equipment Corp.
  1977.

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• Imagination is more important than Knowledge.

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Energy Factoid

• The first solar cells in the 1950s were about
  0.5 efficient. Today a module is about 12 to 15
  efficient. A 1 kW system
• In 1950 2,100 square feet
• In 2004 100 Square feet

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Applications Solar Schools in Texas
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Solar Schools

• 70 schools in Texas
• 19 Watts on Schools (4 kW each)
• 41 Texas Solar for Schools(1 kW each, 15 more
  planned for 2007)

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Major System Components

• PV Modules
• Inverter
• Disconnect Switches
• School Electric Distribution Panel
• Electric Meter
• Weather Station and DAS

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Energy Production

• Energy produced by solar is fed into the school
  building, used for lighting, computers, any loads
• In Texas, for each 1 kW installed, expect to get
  about 1,200 1,700 kWh per year
• Reduces electric bills by 96 to 170/year per kW
  installed

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Watts on Schools First School program began
in 1999

• Program sponsored by three AEP-owned utility
  operating companies in Texas WTU, SWEPCO, and
  CPL
• CSG owns and operates PV systems over 10 year
  contract period
• Systems on roofs and ground-mounted
• Performance-based contract
• Data acquisition systems with web interface on
  every school

www.WattsOnSchools.com
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Texas Solar for Schools

• Program supported by SECO, local match required
• CSG has designed installed systems, provided
  DAS, trained teachers and maintenance staff
• Systems on walls, roof, or ground

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Data Acquisition Systems

• 15-minute interval data,remote collection
  capabilitystandard
• Average kW
• Solar irradiance
• Ambient temperature
• Wind speed
• Web-based solutions now industry standard
• DAS packages run from 1,000-2,500
• Other solutions possible
• CSG collects more than 3 million data points
  every year!

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www.SolTrex.com

• Primary point of communication and information
• Graphs
• Weather conditions
• Historical data
• Educational activities
• Local information
• Interactive energy calculator
• Links to energy education resources
• Lots more

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Where to Put Systems

• Roof, ground, or wall (awning)?
• Need to balance visibility, vandalism, and cost

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FY2006 Solar for Schools

• 100,000 grant from the State Energy Conservation
  Office
• Pole mounted PV systems
• 2 schools in Round Rock
• 9 schools in Austin
• Systems installed last summer

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Pole Mounted PV system
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How to Get Information

• SolTrex - www.SolTrex.com
• Infinite Power of Texas www.InfinitePower.org
• SECO, Pam Groce, 512-463-1889

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Solar Thermal UpdatePanels and Systems have
become standardized and certified
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Direct Pumped with PV
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Passive Integral Collector
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State of Thermal Technology

• Standardized Panels and Systems
• Tested and Rated by SRCC
• www.solar-rating.org
• Use rated and tested equipment
• Sized for location kWh/yr
• System for homes 2500 to 3500 (3 to 4 people)
• Commercial systems 40 to 55/sf

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Policies and IncentivesBest Web Site
DSIREUSA.ORG

• FEDERAL
• Federal Tax Credit
• Residential 30 or maximum of 2000
• Commercial/Industrial 30 no limit
• Accelerated Depreciation (5 years)
  commercial/Industrial
• Depending on market sell or trade Renewable
  Energy Credits (RECs)

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Policies and IncentivesBest Web Site
DSIREUSA.ORG

• STATE OF TEXAS
• Solar Energy Device Franchise Tax Deduction
• 100 cost deducted from taxable capital or 10
  cost deducted from income
• Company solely in solar exempt from franchise tax
• Property tax exemption - value of solar not
  included in taxable value

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Policies and IncentivesBest Web Site
DSIREUSA.ORG

• Local San Antonio CPS
• PV rebate of 3.00/Wac
• Maximum 10,000 per Resid. 50 cost
• Maximum 50,000 per site, 50 cost
• Solar Water Heating
• 30c/kWh based on SRCC rating
• 400 to 800 maximum

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Large Solar Systems on Schools

• Several 3rd Party Energy Service Companies will
  install and operate
• They can take advantage of tax credits
• Can provide the teaching components
• Less risk for schools
• Examples San Jose Schools

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Conclusions and Comments

• PV has potential for future growth and cost
  reduction
• Solar Thermal is commercially mature
• Solar is a good learning tool for schools
  useful online tools and lessons
• To capture tax benefits might need to have Third
  Party install, operate and maintain PV or Solar
  Thermal system

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Good Web Sites

• TXSES.org
• Solarsanantonio.org
• Solaraustin.org
• TREIA.org
• Infinitepower.org
• greenteacher.org
• soltrex.com