Sun is the source of almost all forms of energy including fossil, hydro-electric, wind and solar energy.  Although we are currently dependant on fossil fuels, sunlight itself is a tremendous source of energy which is untapped.  There is enough potential energy in just one hour of sunlight to power the electrical needs of the entire world for a full year.  Now imagine if we could harness this inexhaustible source of energy.  Solar energy is also a clean source with no emissions. One solar water heater can reduce global warming gas emissions equivalent of one car.

With the recent developments in technology, solar energy systems are scalable for large and small uses, require no maintenance.  Most importantly, with government tax incentives and rebates, solar energy is financially viable.

Energy is a necessity and clean renewable energy is an obligation to our earth and our future. Solar energy is currently available, cost effective and clean.  Hence it is time to adopt solar energy systems.

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Solar Thermal Hybrid Systems

Solar Water Heater
Solar Thermal – These systems convert solar energy directly to heat.  Systems such as Solar water heaters, swimming pool heaters and space heaters use this technology.  This technology has been available for a few decades.

Passive solar water systems: In these systems, water is heated by the sun as it moves through the tubes inside a flat plate collector.  These systems do not use pumps or siphons to move water.  These systems are less expensive and more suited for warm weather areas.

Active solar water systems: These systems use a pump to move water or a heating fluid.  Hence these systems require a pump controller and electric power (usually solar panel) to run the pumps.  These systems are more expensive and are more efficient.  These systems are required in cold-climate areas where freezing occurs. Both of these systems can be used for swimming pool heating or space heating.  These can also be combined with tankless or storage tank water heaters.

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What is Solar PV?
Solar Photo Voltaic Cells – These systems convert sunlight to electricity. You probably have seen solar PV cells in calculators, watches and landscape lights.  This technology is also used in providing lighting in remote areas in developing countries.  Solar PV systems were used in 1958 for the first time in powering the satellites. 

Solar PV Systems:

There are 2 types of Solar PV technologies. Silicon Crystalline systems are used in making Roof top panels and Roof Tiles.  These systems cost more, however are more efficient.   Silicon thin film systems are less costly, easy to implement, however less efficient. These are used in large scale implementations.  

PV Modules are comprised of PV cells.  When sun falls on PV cells, DC current is generated.  An inverter converts DC to AC and the electricity flows into house if there is demand.  Excess electricity can be either stored for later use in battery back up systems or feedback to an electric grid. All of these systems can be connected to the electric grid or can be off grid.

Crystalline Panel Modules:  Single crystal modules are more efficient and cost more.  Multi-crystalline systems are less efficient and need more space.  These are used in rigid panels.

Thin films : Thin films are made by depositing silicon on another substrate such as glass or plastic.  These systems are flexible, however are less efficient.  These are used in roof tile and shingles systems.

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ECONOMICS OF SOLAR SYSTEMS

Solar Water Heaters:

Over the lifecycle of the system, solar water heater costs about 20% lesser than a gas system and 40% lower than an electric water heater. In order to provide hot water in all weather conditions, these systems have booster electric or gas systems. Residential Solar water heaters cost in USA about $2,000 to $5,000 and have pay back period of 5-6 years.

Solar PV Systems:

Residential Solar water heaters in INDIA cost about Rs. 15,000 to 45,000 for a 100-500 Litre system and have pay back period of 2-3 years.

Solar PV Systems:

Currently it costs about 12-15 cents per kWh, slightly more than what we pay from the electricity grids (8-10 cents / kWh).  To make Solar energy cost effective, governments world wide are providing tax incentives as well as guaranteed price to buy.  Germany & Japan are leading currently in PV installations.  In USA, federal government gives tax credits up to $2000. Currently CA, Hawaii, NJ & CO, MD states have state level incentives as well as rebate programs.

With these incentives, a typical residential PV system costs about $15,000 - $20,000 and pays back in 7-8 years.  These systems have life of 25-30 years and require no maintenance.

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