Third World regions benefit from solar power

This means that distributed generation solar power (produced and consumed on the same site) is key to bringing inhabitants of Third World regions the necessary advancements they need for health, safety and quality of life.   In other words, power plants likely will never serve these people.  They need solar panels installed in their villages so that the renewable energy resources can be tapped locally.

Why is it Important to Bring Solar to Third World Regions?

1.  Cost of Lighting

Kerosene and candles are often the only means of lighting living spaces in certain areas of the world.  Yet, they are disproportionately expensive for the impoverished people that rely on them.  One statistic states that the poorest fifth of the world pays one-fifth of the world’s lighting bill — but receives only .1 percent of the lighting benefits.  The cost of this energy is about $180/year, adding up to nearly $2000 over a decade.  The cost of kerosene depletes 25-30% of a poor family’s income.

Instead of kerosene and candles, a 40 watt home solar power system can be purchased for only $300 and will provide not only lighting, but also electricity to charge cell phones, run fans and power other electronic devices like computers and TVs.

2.  Environmental Safety

Use of kerosene is unhealthy and unsafe.  Lighting a room with a kerosene lamp can result in an increase in indoor pollution by ten-fold.  Each year about 1.5 million people die from this exposure.  When the lamps tip over, fires often start, harming or killing even more people each year.

3.  Health Reasons

Living off-grid, without traditional power sources, people in Third World countries often lack the ability to keep medications sufficiently chilled or food maintained at a safe temperature.  Electric refrigerators run on solar power can be a significant improvement in the quality of life.

How can we Bring Solar Power and Electricity to Third World Regions?

While the use of solar power by people in developing regions can vastly improve their lives, they do not have the funds up front to invest in the renewable energy resource.  In order to help bring distributed solar energy to the approximately 1.2 billion people who live off grid, experts agree that we need: (1) up front investment capital for the cost of solar panels and installation; (2) a way to recoup the annual cost of solar electricity generated by the installed systems (much less than the cost of kerosene); and (3) networks/partnerships to actually bring the solar panel systems to Third World regions.

With the cost of solar panels having dropped dramatically over the past few years, the resource is much more affordable for everyone.  Not only does that improve the prospects of bringing solar power to developing regions, but the overall health of the planet stands to benefit.  The annual carbon emissions from kerosene lighting is the equivalent of the greenhouse gases put out each year by the entire British economy!

In short, helping to bring solar to Third World countries will be life-changing for the people that live there, and the entire world.

Oregon solar panels

Here in my home state of Oregon, the number of home solar power systems have tripled in the past 3 years. In fact, more than 2/3 of all existing solar installations in Oregon have taken place since 2008.  If you haven’t already done so, isn’t it time to resolve to go solar in 2012?

The massive growth in the number of operating solar panels in Oregon is due in large part to lowering solar prices, rising energy costs and generous incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon which, in addition to state and federal tax credits, can lower the cost of residential solar power systems by 80%!

If you resolve to go solar in 2012, what should you consider?

1.  Does your property have ample sunlight exposure?

2.  What are your monthly and annual electricity costs?

3.  What tax credits and incentives are you eligible for?

4.  Does your utility offer net metering for grid-tied solar panel systems?

5.  Are you interested in solar electricity, solar hot water, or both?

6.  Do you wish to purchase or lease solar panels?

Even if you are not eligible for certain solar incentives, many people find that government tax credits can save them thousands of dollars in the cost of solar panels, in addition to significantly reduced (if not eliminated) utility bills.  Not to mention the fact that utility rates rise each year, while the price of solar electricity stays the same -FREE!

The average cost of solar panels for a residential Oregonian home is $16,000-20,000 before incentives.  Such a solar panel system will cover about 300 square feet of rooftop space and generate 25% or more of a property’s electricity needs, depending on energy efficiency measures.

Oregonians can find out more about solar power options for their home or business by contacting the Energy Trust at 866-368-7878 or visiting its website: www.energytrust.org.

Solar Panels installed on a Bainbridge Island, WA Habitat for Humanity house

One of the things on my bucket list is to help build Habitat for Humanity homes.  Now, these community-built, free structures can be even cheaper to live in when they include solar panels.

In Dallas, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona (among other cities), solar panels on Habitat for Humanity homes are available via donation and installation of solar arrays from a number of companies.

Solar panel companies often donate arrays for installation on Habitat for Humanity homes.  Not only will the solar panels help save cash-strapped homeowners money, but they also reduce the carbon footprint of the home’s occupants as a result of using clean, free solar power, rather than coal or natural gas for electricity.

Over a 12-month period, the owner of a Habitat for Humanity house with solar panels can save nearly $1000 and watch their power bills drop to only $30 per month!

Solar power benefits Third World Countries

For developing regions in Third World countries, many of life’s basic necessities are difficult to achieve due to poverty and/or living far from the electrical grid.  Keeping medical supplies at cool temperatures via refrigeration, making emergency telephone calls, lighting living spaces in a safe manner, and even purifying water and cooking food can be challenging, if not impossible.

Using solar power benefits Third World countries because the resource is ample and inexpensive.  Consider this startling fact: Africa has 9 times the solar energy potential of Europe—an annual equivalent of 100 million tons of oil.  If even a fraction of this solar power was tapped into, impoverished countries could even boost their economies by selling excess solar electricity to European countries.

In recognition of the value of solar power to developing countries, Sunbelt International recently announced an initiative to aggressively develop and deploy solar energy technologies and systems in third world countries. According to Sunbelt International President Fang Soo Lui:

“It is the strategic objective of Sunbelt International to approach emerging markets with sustainable energy alternatives.”

Sunbelt will work with a number of developing nations to install the solar power units.

In addition to Sunbelt’s new initiative, the World Bank announced last year that a $5.5 billion package would be invested in utility scale solar power plants in Africa.  One of its goals was to encourage additional private investments and entrepreneurs.

With solar power projects in Africa, CO2 emissions can be reduced by 740 million tons annually.  And that is a benefit that can be enjoyed by the entire world!

Solar electricity or solar hot water?

If you are thinking about installing a solar panel system on your home, you may be wondering whether solar electricity or solar hot water is the way to go.  There are probably several factors that you are thinking about:

• Cost
• Efficiency
• Appearance
• Return on investment
• Energy savings
• Tax rebates and incentives

Comparing solar electricity (photovoltaic, or PV panels) to solar hot water systems, you can stand to save a lot of money with both.  In general, solar photovoltaic panels generate electricity for use throughout your home.  Using PV panels, you draw less on the grid and pay less to your electrical utility.  On the other hand, solar thermal panels save you money on the energy required to heat water for domestic use – bathing, washing dishes, laundry and more.

Here is a brief introduction to solar hot water:

For homeowners considering solar, solar hot water is less expensive than solar electricity systems.  In fact, many people make the switch to solar by going with solar thermal panels, rather than PV panels.  As a result, the return on investment for solar hot water is shorter than for traditional solar panels (5-8 years, compared to 10-15 years).

On the other hand, solar PV panels can save you significantly more money and energy over the life of a system.  Plus, with grid-tied systems, you can get credit on your utility bill for excess solar power generated via net metering.  Because all water heated with a solar hot water system is used on-site, there is no opportunity to extend your savings by selling excess solar-heated water to your community.

There are currently more options for financing solar PV panels than solar hot water systems, including solar panel leasing.  But both types of solar panels boost the value of your home and help you reduce your carbon footprint, while saving you money on your monthly utility bills.

So – whether you switch to solar electricity or solar hot water, you’re making a smart investment.  What would you do?

Solar Washer and Dryer

While a solar powered clothes dryer has been around for centuries – in one form or another – a solar powered washer and dryer runs on solar electricity and can save you money.

Miele & Solvis offers a new SmartGrid-ready washer and dryer. Not only do these appliances run on solar power, but the SmartGrid can help pinpoint the cheapest times of day to run on grid-based power when the sun is not shining!

The solar powered washer and dryer are characterized by these main points:

• Convenience
• Ability to determine the least expensive electricity rates and then start washer and dyers when the cost is at its lowest
• Solar power usage

Heat for the solar powered dryers is generated by solar-thermal collectors, which are usually used for solar hot water.  Unlike solar electricity, the collectors involve a freeze-protected fluid, which transfers thermal heat from the sun to water.  A storage tank is connected to the dryer with 4 pipes: solar heated water is transferred to the dryer which then heats up the air in the tumbler. Cool water is then piped back to the heating system. Once heated again, it goes back to the tumbler and its heat is used to remove water from clothes. This process continues, till the time all the clothes in the tumbler are dried. The best part of the system is that is makes use of less water, since water is recycled every time it is used to dry clothes. Because the system uses solar heat to heat water, energy is saved which further reduces the carbon footprint.

The solar powered washer and dryer uses conventional sources of electricity during cold winter months.   Yet, the system’s designers claim that the machine can cut operating costs up to 50% compared to a conventional dryer and will offer an 80% reduction compared to standard condenser dryers.

What affects the cost of solar panels

Thinking about residential solar power?  You might be worried about the expense of this renewable resource.  But there are ways to save money and also save energy while you go solar.

In general, there are 5 things that affect the cost of solar panels:

1.  Rebates and incentives.  Even though governmental tax rebates are not quite as generous as they were a few years ago, you can still save a lot on solar panels by tapping into local, state and/or federal incentives and rebates. Combined, you could pocket up to 80% of the retail cost of solar panels!

2.  Current energy usage.  Its quite simple: the more electricity you use, the more solar panels you will need.  Reduce your overall energy consumption, and you won’t need to generate as much solar electricity!

3.  Solar irradiation and UV exposure.   Consider your roof angle, any obstructions and shading, and the overall solar irradiation for your region.  You don’t necessarily have to live in a warm, sunny locale to tap into solar energy.  However, you do need to have optimum UV exposure, which is impacted by the angle of your roof, among other things.

Save money with solar panels

4.  Net metering.  You can literally turn back your utility meter with solar panels!  The way net metering works is that, when excess solar electricity is generated by your solar array, the energy is fed back into the grid for other consumers to use.  Then, when you need to draw on grid-based power overnight or on cloudy days, you get a credit for the power you contributed to the system.  Save even more!

5.  Materials supplies.  The primary reason that solar panels cost so much less today than 5 years ago is the reduction in the cost of supplies required for manufacturing solar cells, including silicon.  In addition, solar technology is leading to increased efficiency of solar cells, which further reduces the cost of a solar array.

Experts predict that the cost of solar panels will continue to decrease in the coming years.  However, governmental rebates and incentives may not be as generous as they are now in the future.  If you are thinking about going solar, now may be the best time!

Solar Panel Parking at the Cincinnati Zoo

With an eye on nature, why not utilize one of the most natural forms of energy available?

At the Cincinnati Zoo, SolarWorld solar panels provide shade and generate solar electricity to off-set the impact of grid-based power.  These state-of-the-art parking lot canopy systems include about 6,400 solar panels manufactured by SolarWorld (based right here in my home state of Oregon).  SolarWorld is the largest United States manufacturer of solar technology.

This largest urban solar array accessible to the public is 1.56 megawatts (MW).  The canopy system allows for shaded and sheltered parking stalls, and utilization of rooftop space to tap into abundant free solar energy.  SolarWorld is excited about the new solar canopies and large-scale solar project in Cincinnati.

Raju Yenamandra, VP for sales and business development in the Americas, enthused:

It’s gratifying – and fun – to see the technology that SolarWorld pioneered for so long using American labor on U.S. soil star in this Midwest showcase.  When I started my career, solar was a novel but promising power-generation alternative to fossil fuels. Since then, our technology has built a long track record of reliability. Now, this project signifies its arrival at center stage of American life.”

The solar panel system consists of 15 arrays and was developed, engineered and installed by Melink Corp.  The zoo parking facility is about 4 acres in sice, with solar panels covering 800 of the 1,000 parking spaces in the Cincinnati Zoo’s main parking lot.  The solar electricity generated by the panels will offset 20% of the zoo’s power needs, saving millions of dollars over the life of the system.

Installing solar panels on a commercial building rooftop

In the past, the decision whether to go solar required financial analysis to determine whether the return on investment would be sufficient to justify the cost of installing solar panels.  Today, however, commercial building owners (and homeowners) can go with a solar lease agreement that allows them to start enjoying solar electricity immediately with no money down.

Under a solar panel lease, the building owners merely “rent” or “lease” the panels rather than purchase them outright.  A monthly fee, which is lower than the current cost of electricity is assessed, and the owner does not have to worry about repair, maintenance, or even insurance in most cases.   The additional savings in monthly utility bills is pocketed by the building owner, and the risk of future skyrocketing rates through utility hikes is eliminated.

Generally speaking, a commercial building rooftop of at least 2,500 square feet in size, which faces south, or is unobstructed and flat can host a 30 kilowatt (kW) solar panel array.  A solar power system of that size is guaranteed to generate about $6,000 of free solar electricity each and every year.  And, with a solar lease agreement, the building owners do not need to finance the approximately $125,000 cost of purchasing the panels themselves.

Neal Uppal, president of Solar Topps, based in Tempe, Arizona, observes:

“At first, solar lease agreements are hard to believe because of the price and increased cash flow, but once CPAs examine the financial spreadsheets, more than 90% of commercial customers to decide to go solar because it costs them nothing to save money and reduce their monthly electric bill.”

Today, many companies offer solar lease agreements.  Building owners and managers can make an informed selection based on the products used for the solar array itself (panels, inverters, racking), the method of installation, the expertise of the installation company, the price, talking to existing customers, and the terms of the proposed contract.  Have your attorney review any solar panel lease agreement before signing.

With solar panels installed on a commercial building rooftop, savings start adding up immediately.  Even after solar lease payments, many owners realize savings of at least $2,500 a year!

Solar power in Nevada

All across the “Land of Enchantment” the state of Nevada is shining bright with a solar power future.  To the south, near Boulder City, over a million solar panels cover desert lands, generating utility scale solar electricity. Using First Solar panels, the project will generate enough clean electricity to power about 26,000 homes, saving 123,000 metric tons of CO2 with the positive environmental impact of taking 24,000 cars off the road.

Up north in the Truckee Meadows, smaller solar panel arrays are also sprouting up.  While on a scale smaller than the First Solar farm in the southern part of the state, distributed generation photovoltaic (PV) panels generate electricity for the property on which they are situated.

For example, NV Energy uses solar energy to keep the lights on at their Reno headquarters.  Not only is the company using solar power, it is adopting incentives to help residential and small business customers make the switch to the renewable resource, as well.  A new solar hot water incentive allows between $3,000 and $7,500 to off-set initial costs of the system.

To learn about the new NV Energy solar rebate programs, click here.