Increase in solar power installations in 2012

Since 2010, renewable energy has been growing at an impressive pace – overall about 31%, representing an increase from $188 billion in revenue to $246 billion in just 2 years.

Just by itself, solar power installations have grown to a total of more than 26.5 gigawatts of capacity worldwide.   While solar panel manufacturers are not necessarily reaping the benefits of this growth in the industry (due to falling costs), property owners have witnessed more than 50% increase in solar installations.

The United States still has progress to make in this regard, however.  Despite being a global leader, the country accounted for less than 10% of the solar work market for 2011.  Germany continues to be a leader in solar power.

Part of the reason for the increase in solar power installations recently is attributable to government incentives and tax rebates.  In addition, financing tools such as solar leases and property assessed clean energy loans are popular now, but could wane with a shift in local policies.

Notwithstanding the potentially fickle nature of solar power installations,  Clean Edge believes that global revenue for solar could reach $130.5 billion in less than 10 years, by 2021.

Solar installer jobs in Northern California

Solar installer jobs in Northern California are frequently posted on Craigslist, where prospective employees can easily locate the positions.   In fact, no matter where you live, searching Craigslist for green jobs can result in potential, higher paying jobs.

Solar installer jobs in Northern California, and other places, require the ability to complete the following responsibilities:
• Pulling inventory for installation jobs
• Pre-assembling job components in a warehouse
• Layout and assembly of solar modules/array and mounting hardware
• Mechanical/structural mounting of racking, modules and electrical equipment
• Electrical wiring of solar array/system
• Documenting completion of completed installation
• Attending mandatory training sessions on products, installation methodology and safety

Requirements for a solar installer job:

•Experience in PV installations, roof work, general construction, or carpentry
•Basic understanding/experience with electrical wiring of AC and DC systems
•Experience with hand-held and power tools
•Experience working with all types of building materials – various roof types – stucco, wood, concrete, etc.
•Ability to work in extreme environments, e.g. hot sun, crawl spaces, etc.
•Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs.
•Must have a clean driving record
•Must have knowledge of OSHA compliance standards or familiarity with formal safety practices

Do you or someone you know have these qualifications for a solar installer job, or another green job?

Working on technology for solar windows

Researchers have helped bring us one step closer to this type of building integrated photovoltaics – PV power that blends right into building materials such as windows and roof shingles.  The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the organic solar company New Energy Technologies have developed invisible solar cells, applying unique conductive polymers onto a transparent substrate.  The technology, called “plastic solar,” can be installed directly onto the surface of windows.

The technology for solar windows is still in its early stages.  New Energy Technologies, developing the SolarWindow, has been encouraged about the future of the technology by its development of the largest transparent solar cell to date.  But, until efficiencies are improved, there will not be a significant consumer market for see through solar power.

In the meantime, people who wish to make a switch to solar power will have to stick to traditional PV panels… and the building permits or HOA approvals that are required.

Samsung's solar powered computer

The world is on the move and increasingly has little time to plug in devices to recharge them.  Solar cell phones are reality, and now you can buy a solar powered netbook computer from Samsung, as well.

Electronic devices like the computer shown to the left are fitted with solar panels.  When ultra violet light hits the panels, solar electricity is generated, which provides extended power when you are at the park, camping, or sitting outdoors on campus.

Samsung’s solar powered netbook computer, the NC215S, is a 10″ device with a solar panel embedded in its cover.  The company claims that 2 hours in sunlight will generate enough power to run the computer for 1 hour, effectively extending time between plugging it in and recharging.

Solar powered computers and cell phones are particularly useful in off-grid areas of the world.  Residents in third world countries can better stay in touch using solar devices like these.

Here are the stats for the solar powered netbook computer from Samsung:

• 10.1-inch display
• resolution of 1024 x 600
• 1GB of RAM
• 1.66GHz N570 dual-core Atom
• keyboard and touchpad
• 14 hour battery life under “ideal conditions”
• Price:  $399

Samsung’s solar computer is currently available in the U.S., Russia, and Africa.

This is in contrast to utility scale solar power, usually in the form of solar panel farms or solar thermal power plants at which large amounts of solar electricity is generated, then transferred to customers along the grid.

Distributed Generation Solar Power

When we use solar power at its source, this method is more efficient and less expensive.  Consider that centralized electricity generation at power plants requires large scale investment of land and money, as well as the cost of tapping into the grid to deliver the clean power to end users.  Homeowners may not even experience any reduction in their power bills when their utility generates solar power, as well as using fossil-fuel power generation.  Utilities are increasingly being required to generate a portion of their power from renewable resources, which may cost more at first, and such costs may be passed onto consumers.  Finally, there is a measure of lost solar electricity when its transported across the grid, rather than used at its source.

When you go with residential solar panels, you are in control of your system (can increase or decrease its size) and 100% of the solar electricity generated is yours.  Moreover, if you are eligible for net metering, you can even get a credit on your utility bill for excess power generated by your PV panels.  Here are some additional reasons that distributed solar is a wise choice:

• Rooftop solar reduces minimizes the losses in transmission of utility scale solar power.
• Less influence of utility company’s tier pricing for peak demands and building types
• Fewer upfront costs for construction of distributed generation solar (little or no need for bare land, permitting process is usually more streamlined, and connection to the grid (if applicable) is a simpler process

In short, using solar power at its source can reduce the costs and delay of grid-based solar energy, and increase the efficiency of a solar panel system.

Now that you know about distributed generation, perhaps its time to consider installing your own solar panels!

Solar powered parking meters

Instead of fishing your pockets for quarters (and finding only nickles and dimes), motorists can use a credit card system powered by solar panels to feed the parking meters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The specialized meters, shown to the left, are called “E-Park.”  Not only do they run on power generated by the solar panels on their heads, but people who pay to park this way can even add time to the meter with a smartphone application!  Drivers pay for a certain number of hours ahead of time, and then receive a 4 digit pin to be used when they arrive at the solar powered parking meter.  Input the number and set the amount of time you estimate.

The power required for the parking meters is 100% from sunlight, and they can continue running for days, even when sun is scarce.   The beauty of this system is that municipalities can save more money, because they will not have to use funds generated by the parking meters to pay for the power to run them.

Just another example of how solar power can improve our lives!

1.  Tap into Solar Incentives

One of my favorite resources is the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE), which lists state rebates and solar power incentive programs, as well as information on federal solar incentives.  The site is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.  There, you can find information on state, local, utility and federal incentive programs that can help you cut the cost of residential solar panel installations by as much as 60-80% off the retail cost.

Thinking of making a switch to solar power?

2.  Determine how Much Grid-Based Electricity You Can Offset with Solar

Here is another tool from the U.S. government that can help you switch to solar power.  Part of your analysis will be to determine how much electricity you use at home, and then how much you can offset with solar.  The website of the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) includes statistics about the amount of electricity the average American home demands.  In addition, check out the Energy Department‘s information about considerations to make before going solar.

3.  Find the Best Solar Panel Manufacturers

This may be surprising, but you can find the top solar manufacturers in the U.S. on Wikipedia.  The site includes a list, put together based on an annual report by Photon Magazine.  Additional information on annual solar manufacturer rankings is found at Solar Buzz.

4.  Log onto Solar Chat

These days, you can find a chat room on just about any topic!  Why not connect with other people that are thinking about going solar, or who have already made the switch?  Try the online forum at Solar Panel Talk.  You can find people to chat with on DIY solar panels, going off-grid, solar panel leases and purchasing/installing conventional residential solar systems.

5.  Use a Solar Price Calculator

Online calculators can help you determine how many solar panels you will need for your energy demands and what a system will cost.  There are a number of solar price calculators available and you can find links to many of them at CalFinder.

Permitting fees increase the cost of solar panels

In order to install residential solar panels, you will need a building permit (and possibly other land use permits) from your local permitting authority.  The process takes time, adds delay and hassle, and also costs money in permitting fees, and potentially the cost of working with a solar installer that is familiar with the process and can help you navigate it.

Because of this hurdle toward broader acceptance of renewable energy, the U.S. Department of Energy is making $27 million available to support local and regional governments streamline the process of implementing solar power projects.   The result will be to cut carbon emissions as fewer people use fossil-fuel based electricity.  Homeowners that install solar panels also enjoy reduced power bills each month.

As part of the SunShot Initiative the DOE is offering a $12.5 million challenge to encourage cities and counties to compete to streamline and digitize permitting processes by:  standardizing permitting processes, updating planning and zoning codes, improving interconnection and net metering standards and, finally, increasing access to financing.

The DOE will also use $15 million to fund one or two recipients to create tools for local governments to streamline and expedite the process of installing solar energy in the three areas: regulatory and utility solutions; codes, standards and processes and software design tools and databases.  Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu commented:

“These investments under the SunShot program can help to transform the solar energy industry by addressing significant challenges to solar energy deployment, including permitting and installation.  Innovations in IT and local business processes, such as online permit applications, can deliver significant savings for solar energy systems and will help America to compete globally in this growing market.”

Just this week, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) announced a unified solar permitting process with Nassau and Suffolk County that will start in fall 2012.  Known as the Long Island Unified Solar Permitting Initiative (LIUSPI), this new campaign is focused on developing a model process that could be used by all municipalities throughout Long Island to effectively and uniformly handle the application for and approval of residential solar electric and solar hot water systems in each respective jurisdiction.

Panels for Solar Hot Water Heater

Heating water for household uses like bathing, washing dishes and laundry is one of the most energy-intensive activities, accounting for significant percentages of monthly electricity bills.   If you own a swimming pool, hot tub or spa, keeping the water at a comfortable temperature can also be expensive.

That’s where a solar hot water heater comes into play!  Water is piped through a system that uses thermal energy from sunlight to warm it for free, where it is then stored in a specialized hot water tank for use.

An active solar thermal panel hot water system uses electrical pumps to move the water through the system, whereas a passive solar hot water system relies on thermal dynamics (cold sinks and heat rises) instead of pumps.

Solar hot water heating systems have several advantages over solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, which generate electrical power:

1.  They are less expensive  – about 1/3 the cost of solar electric PV panels

2.  They are more efficient – with the ability to convert 3 times as much energy for use as PV panels

3.  The return on investment is about 1/2 that of PV panels (4-8 years)

4.  The average homeowner can save 60-70% off their average annual hot water heating expenses

In general, a solar hot water system is comprised of the following, and can be installed by a professional, or you can build one using DIY instructions:

• Solar thermal panels (also known as solar collectors)
• Rooftop mounting system for the solar thermal panels
• Solar storage tank – a new solar hot water tank
• Water pump and controls (not required for passive or thermosyphon systems)
• Heat exchanger and expansion tank (only for closed-loop solar hot water systems)
• Isolation valve
• Backup Water Heater
• Tempering valve – to make sure your solar heated water doesn’t get too hot!

Solar hot water heaters are a good first foray into using solar energy because they are relatively inexpensive, allow you to save significant amounts on your utility bills and are low maintenance.  Whether you go with a DIY system or have one professionally installed, you can enjoy free hot water for years to come.

To read learn more about solar thermal panels and how solar hot water heating systems work, click here.

We found this map published on the Energy Self-Reliant States website that shows solar power grid parity in most major U.S. metropolitan areas by the year 2027.  The figures are based on projected costs of retail utility scale electricity and continuing lowering of the cost of solar power.  Considering energy cost trends, solar energy will be cheaper than coal in a matter of just a few decades.

The interactive map based on predictions of energy policy analyst John Farrell illustrates the U.S. cities that will achieve solar grid parity first, and those that will follow between now and 2027.  Based on current retail rates for electricity in regions across the nation, and the declining cost of solar power in recent years, Farrell predicts San Diego to be the first to achieve solar power grid parity in 2013, with New York City following in 2015. Just five years thereafter, Farrell expects 17 major metropolitan areas to reach solar grid parity in 2020, reaching 40 regions by 2027.

For more information, see the original article at Yale Environment 360.