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 1. The Problem:
Traditional sources of electrical power generation will not
last forever and pollute our atmosphere.
From my perspective, the world's energy needs vary greatly; there
is no clear single solution to the problem of supplying the world's
energy.
All forms of energy production have issues associated with them,
i. e. -
1. Coal - Pollution/Strip Mining
2. Natural Gas - Cost and Lack of Infrastructure
3. Hydro - Limited Availability/Environmental Concerns
4. Wind - Limited Site and Resource Availability
5. Solar PV - Higher Cost
6. Others - (Fuel Cells, etc.) Maturity of Technology/Cost
2. The Solution:
Solar PV (Photovoltaic) systems effectively deliver three
to five hours of peak power per day at roughly 10 Watts per square
foot. Not one square inch of new land would be required to site
PV. Theoretically, there are adequate residential, commercial,
Government rooftops, and parking structures in California to
power a substantial percentage of our State's electrical needs
from solar.
In Southern California, solar produces a net energy gain in approximately
three years. This means that within three years, PV systems begin
producing more energy than the energy spent in producing the
system and its raw materials. Best of all, the energy produced
cost zero emissions.
At today's prices, a typical solar system
costs approximately $8.00/watt, installed and has an operating
life in excess of 25 years. For all intents and purposes, maintenance
and operating costs are minimal.
3. The Results:
Solar energy increases the diversity of power and adds stability
to a fossil fuel favored energy structure, while reducing greenhouse
gas emissions.
4. The Benefits:
-- Solar can be quickly deployed at the
point of use, reducing the need for additional transmission and
distribution infrastructure, and cost thereof.
-- Solar operates most efficiently at mid day, when grid demand
is at its peak. By decreasing the strain during peak hours, the
longevity of existing power plants and infrastructure is extended,
lowering further the cost of energy production.
-- By deploying solar over time the cumulative effect of the
installed base is impressive. Given its 25-year life, within
10 to 20 years, a respectable portion of California's energy
could be supplied by solar.
-- Once installed, the cost is fixed. In comparison to traditional
sources of energy, the fuel cost is nonexistent, and operational
costs are limited. A solar system's cost is amortized over its
life, there are no rate hikes due to fuel or operating cost increases.
5.
An Investment in the Future:
There are some negatives. Presently, solar costs more than traditional
energy generation. Its efficient use is limited to daylight hours
unless storage is employed. Admittedly, the solar industry today
is not large enough to address all of our needs. The solar industry
does not have the financial influence to compete with existing
utilities, which typically oppose PV, within political circles.
(Industry revenues globally represent only 3.0B/year). Globally,
the industry has experienced an annual growth rate in excess
of 18% in over a decade. This rate of growth is equivalent to
that of semiconductor, telecommunications and computer industries.
Clearly, there is no easy solution to California's energy problem.
No doubt, a variety of technologies and tools are needed to ensure
California's energy independence and security.
The
Solar Industry Needs Your Support
For those interested in promoting a clean,
safe and environmentally friendly source of energy, I urge you
to write your representatives in the State and Federal Government.
Make it clear you vote for representatives who support current
legislation aimed at advancing the deployment of solar energy,
such as the net metering law which allows the solar producer
to feed surplus power onto the grid, causing the meter to spin
backward, lowering the electric bill. Tax credits and deployment
subsidies provide the revenues necessary to support research
and development of more efficient solar systems.
Remember, in the 1970's the State of California enacted emission
standards that surpassed the rest of the nation. The argument
against these standards was the cost of such improvements. Almost
30 years later, the impact is in the air and reflected in the
increased fuel economy of the vehicles we drive.
Solar energy is part of the solution and is a key to America's
long-term energy supply. After all, fossil fuels have a long
history of issues with respect to stability of supply and cost.
Graham Owen
GO Solar Company
 LA Installation Service page
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