Solar Parking Lot using Photovoltaics

Using solar technology that is being researched with solar roadways, incorporating PV cells and other electronic devices into pavement is no longer a far-fetched idea.  Along these lines, Solar Roadways received generous grant money in 2009 to develop a 12′ x 12′ solar pavement prototype.

The solar pavement prototype was so impressive that additional grant money has been awarded to Solar Roadways to develop a solar parking lot using photovoltaics.  Not only can this technology generate clean, free solar electricity, but solar pavement will also be able to melt snow and ice from its own energy to keep parking lots clear and safe.  Solar power generated by a layer of embedded LEDs can illuminate traffic signals, and excess energy generated can even be used for charging electric vehicles parked at the lot.

All surface areas covered by asphalt or pavement could eventually be “solarized.”  Beyond roadways and parking lots, why not bike paths, recreational blacktop surfaces, and even driveways?

The potential is exciting, but likely years away.  A single 12′ x 12′ solar pavement square costs about $100,000.  Yet, covering these surfaces with solar cells could generate three times more than the amount of electricity we currently consume as a nation.  With continued solar technology advancements, increased efficiencies and decreased materials costs, it might not be too long before we’re driving, parking and playing on sunshine!

A really cool BIPV design using solar panels for awning materials

Quite literally, BIPV is the incorporation of solar energy generating materials into roofing materials, siding, solar paint and even solar windows.  Instead of bulky PV panels sitting on your rooftop, you could have sleek solar shingles that blend right into profile of your home.

The act of generating renewable energy right where its needed – as opposed to having it travel across the grid – is called distributed generation.  There are many that tout its benefits over clean, utility-scale solar power because its more efficient and cheaper for the user of the solar energy.

Thin-film solar technology is one of the biggest factors for building integrated photovoltaics.  But the concept is still new, and kinks are being worked out before the general public can regularly draw on solar energy generated by thin-film solar.   And, while there is potentially a broad range of building materials into which BIPV could be integrated, some technologies, like solar paint, are still years away before making it to the mass market.

BIPV ceiling generates electricity while providing coverage

Building integrated photovoltaics will continue to build interest and enthusiasm in the coming years as consumers look for ways to reduce energy costs as well as their carbon footprint.

If you have moved to BIPV in recent years, please share your experiences in the comment section below.

Projected solar energy growth over the next decade

Bloomberg New Energy Finance projects significant solar energy growth in the U.S. over the next ten years.  The company is the world’s leading provider of research/analysis concerning clean energy and carbon markets.

Bloomberg estimates that solar power generating capacity, both with respect to photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies, could account for more than 4% of energy capacity in the United States by 2020.  Currently, solar only comprises 1% of all power consumption.  Consider the following facts:

• Currently, the United States has only 1.4 gigawatts of installed solar power capacity
• The U.S. ranks 5th in solar energy capacity worldwide
• Solar energy growth in the U.S. could rise to 44 gigawatts of installed solar by 2020
• Annual growth rate for photovoltaics could be as much as 34%
• Capacity from solar thermal projects may rise from 0.4 gigawatts in 2010 to 14 gigawatts by 2020

Before solar energy growth can really take off, there are a few hurdles that need to be cleared.  Most specifically, the cost of solar power has to continue to drop to reach grid parity with coal-fired plants.  Over the past few years, solar panel prices have declined by more than half, which is excellent news for consumers.  However, energy from coal power plants is still about 1/4 the cost of utility scale solar power (not including federal incentives and subsidies).

Dropping solar panel prices are encouraging more installations

The decrease in solar panel prices, combined with renewable energy tax credits and other  incentives will continue to drive solar energy growth in the U.S. for the new few years. Both residential and commercial installations are on the upswing across the country.  Bloomberg New Energy Finance expects residential-scale solar to be installed on 2.4% of houses in the United States by 2020.  Financial structures for commercial-scale photovoltaic systems will allow investors to obtain significant returns, further fueling solar growth.

Milo Sjardin, Bloomberg New Energy Finance’s US head of research, commented:

“Policy, rather than sunshine, will remain the US’s greatest solar resource for the next few years.  By the middle of this decade, however, the US retail solar market will be driven by fundamental, unsubsidized competition, which should transform the US into one of the world’s most dynamic solar markets.”

Michael Liebreich, chief executive of Bloomberg New Energy Finance also said:

“There is a very positive growth story for solar in the US: a few more years of support, and then the engine of unsubsidized competitiveness will take over – and the world will never be the same. The important thing right now is to ensure policy stability, to give investors confidence during this critical period. The US solar industry will require private sector investment of $100bn during the next decade, and any hint that the government’s commitment to clean energy could waver and investors will run for cover.”

What do you think about the projected solar energy growth in the U.S.?

PV solar panels convert sunlight into electricity

You’ve likely heard of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.  But do you really know how photovoltaics work?  Just how do those blue-colored surfaces convert sunlight into electricity?  In other words, how do we tap into solar energy?

PV technology was “born” in 1854 through research of the Bell Telephone Company.  Within a decade PV solar panels were being used on spacecraft.  It wasn’t long before property owners in remote areas determined that they did not have to be connected to the grid in order to enjoy electricity – with installation of PV panels.  From there, even grid-connected customers have decided to minimize or eliminate their monthly electricity bills by going solar.

So, let’s review how photovoltaics work!

PV solar cells convert UV light photons into electricity. Photovoltaics do this through two distinct functions.  First, there is photogeneration of charge carriers (electrons and holes) in a light-absorbing material.  Then, separation of the charge carriers to a conductive contact to transmit the electricity.

The following video is a good primer of how photovoltaics work:

A solar panel array

The word “photovoltaic” is derived from “photo,” which means “light” and “voltaic” which means “electricity.  A solar module is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a frame (commonly known as a solar panel)  A number of solar panels grouped together is a solar array.

PV solar cells are made of semiconductor materials, like silicon, used most commonly these days.  When sunlight hits a solar cell, some of the energy is absorbed by the semiconductor material; energy knocks electrons loose and they can then freely flow.

The electric field(s) of PV solar cells can force the freed electrons to flow in a certain direction.  This flow is an electrical current.  With metal contacts on the top and bottom of a PV cell, the current can be drawn away for power usage.

No matter how large or small it is, most silicon PV cells produce about 1/2 volt direct current (under open-circuit, no-load conditions). The output of a PV cell depends on its efficiency and size (surface area), and is proportional to the intensity of sunlight striking the surface of the cell.

While there are a number of factors that contribute to the amount of electricity that can be generated by a solar cell, a general understanding of how photovoltaics work is important in determining whether and how much to invest in a solar array.

Review

“Martin A. Green of the University of New South Wales, Sydney, is arguably the most renowned scientist in the field of photovoltaics … The book is well written, covers all the important concepts, and gives the right references. Green manages to keep the reader’s attention in spite of some arduous derivations … Third Generation Photovoltaics will be invaluable as a reference for anyone involved in long-term photovoltaics research and useful as textbook for courses on (more…)

This up-to-date and comprehensive electronic book on two CD-ROMs presents an incredible, totally revised and greatly expanded collection of important documents and publications about solar energy, solar heating and lighting, solar concentrating technology, and photovoltaic (PV) solar power cells. Encyclopedic coverage of every practical aspect of solar power, heating, electricity, and research is thoroughly covered in this incredible collection! Federal documents cover the U.S. (more…)

This up-to-date and comprehensive electronic book on two CD-ROMs presents an incredible, totally revised and greatly expanded collection of important documents and publications about solar energy, solar heating and lighting, solar concentrating technology, and photovoltaic (PV) solar power cells. Encyclopedic coverage of every practical aspect of solar power, heating, electricity, and research is thoroughly covered in this incredible collection! Federal documents cover the U.S. (more…)