|
| A Vast Vineyard of Solar Electricity Kramer Junction in the sunny state of California |
Editor’s Note: Solar energy in its raw form may be pollution-free, but manufacturing the devices that get the energy out of light and heat requires metal and other material, requiring mines and smelters, therein causing pollution. Maybe the most exciting thing about solar energy today is not only that the costs continue to drop and efficiencies continue to rise, but that clean solar energy is arriving at last. New technologies allow new methods of manufacturing which pollute much less, and often run on solar energy.
Solar heating and solar electric systems can now generate thermal and electric energy over their service life up to 100 times the energy input during their manufacture. This ratio; the energy it will produce in its lifetime, compared to the amount of energy input to manufacture and maintain an energy system, has doubled in the last 20 years for most solar technologies. The ratio of energy out vs. energy in for solar systems has become so favorable that the economic and ecological viability of solar power is now beyond question.
One reason solar energy still cannot compete financially vs. conventional energy is because the value of future energy output from a photovoltaic system is discounted when calculating, for example, an internal rate of return. These economic models that put a time-value on money, making long-term receipts not worth as much as near-term receipts cannot necessarily be applied to energy. Traditional models of economic analysis for an energy system lasting 50 years treat the free energy in years 11 through 50 as nearly worthless. The underlying assumption when discounting returns beyond 10 years is that BTUs are as fungible as currencies; something that is arguable but not certain. If a society as a whole desires energy independence, a solar energy system’s return on investment in year 50 is no less valuable than the return on investment in year one.
As forests and fossil fuels diminish, look to solar energy as one of the most promising sources of alternative energy.
|
| India’s Central Arid Zone Research Institute |
“At the present rate of energy consumption, the reserve of fossil fuels of the entire world can be exhausted in 50 to 100 years,” said Dr. M. N. Nahar, principal scientist of the Division of Agriculture and Energy at the Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI). “There is an urgent need to harness solar energy and other alternative energy sources.”
Unlike natural gas, coal, or nuclear power, solar power requires no fuel, works without polluting the air or leaving behind dangerous radioactive waste, and is extremely plentiful. Researchers estimate that the sun produces enough energy in a single second to meet the needs of all humanity for 2000 years. “The surface of the Earth receives an amount of solar energy equivalent to roughly 10,000 times the world energy demand,” wrote Erik Lysen in the January 2003 issue of Renewable Energy World magazine.
Figuring out how to harness it has already been accomplished, to some extent. Solar technology is currently divided into two categories, thermal and photovoltaic. Thermal solar power uses the heat of the sun, and photovoltaics, or PV, is the technology that converts its light directly into electricity.
| LABORATORY PV EFFICIENCY PROGRESS |
 |
| In the last twenty years of the 20th century photovoltaic panel efficiencies doubled |
A photovoltaic panel consists of several connected 0.6-V dc PV cells, which are made out of a
semiconducting material, generally mono- or multi-crystalline silicon. The thin layer of silicon is sandwiched between two metallic electrodes, and the cells are usually encapsulated behind glass to make them weatherproof.
Multiple PV panels can be then connected to form an array, capable of providing sufficient power for everything from common electrical applications like single-household electricity to Olympic swimming pools, apartment or industrial buildings. The average lifetime of a PV system is about 20 years, and it can be used in combination with conventional power or alone.
The only problem is that, although in some cases it is becoming competitive, solar power is generally still slightly more expensive than tapping into conventional electricity. The process of constructing PV cells is somewhat complicated and delicate, and there is also a considerable loss of materials. Multi-crystalline silicon wafers are obtained from ingots grown by casting liquid silicon in a large container followed by controlled cooling, a technique less complicated than the pulling of single-crystalline rods. Then, in sawing the thin layer of crystalline silicon, about 20% of the material is lost as “sawdust”.
Efficiency is also not high, although it has been progressively increasing. A solar cell made of multi-crystalline silicon, which accounts for most of the PV panels currently in use and production, converts sunlight to electricity at about 13.5% efficiency. Mono-crystalline silicon, which is more difficult to produce, can achieve about 15%; in both cases, clouds and night time also rob the cell of a further 65%.
|
| USA’s Dept. of Energy |
One way to reduce PV costs is to use materials other than silicon as semiconductors, like amorphous silicon and cadmium telluride (CdTe). Although government grants are keeping the fire going, the technology is moving slowly, and thin-film PV panels are hard to mass-produce cost-effectively because of the difficulty of coating large areas of glass. “It is my opinion that crystalline- silicon technologies will dominate for at least the next 10 years,” said Jeffrey Mazer of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Solar Energy Technologies in Washington.
There is one instance, however, in which PV energy is already cheaper than using fossil fuels. If a location is not currently connected to the “grid,” that is, if no power lines are there, it is less expensive to install PV panels than to either extend the grid or set up small-scale electricity production with a diesel or other generator. the average cost of extending those power lines ranges from $20,000 to $80,000 per mile, a cost the consumer usually has to bear. At this price, eliminating a power line extension of even one mile could well pay for the PV system for someone who can easily afford it– or make electricity possible for someone who can’t.
 |
| A “Solar Yard” in the sunny state of Rajasthan, India |
Approximately two billion people, or about 1/3 of the global population, residing primarily in developing countries, are not connected to the grid, and may never be; in this area particularly solar is the energy source of the future, as these places develop. “For electricity production in rural areas in developing countries, solar energy is the cheaper alternative,” said Nahar. Indeed, the demand for PV is growing faster outside than inside the U.S.
Photovoltaics first came into use in 1958 when NASA needed a feasible power source for its spacecrafts and satellites, and has been used for this purpose ever since.
Other current uses of PV solar panels include powering watches and pocket calculators, powering the lamps of some remote lighthouses, and solar-energy systems in homes and buildings in Western countries. In the United States and Europe alone, about 15,000 vacation homes are equipped with PV systems; some environmentally-conscious consumers are willing to pay more for clean energy.
The popularity of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV’s), in particular, has grown considerably in recent years. BIPV’s are PV devices designed directly into building materials like roofs, shingles, and siding, which offer electricity and aesthetics, eliminating the need for mounted solar panels.
The cost of a BIPV system is also partially offset by replacing the costs of conventional construction materials. The system helps insulate and protect roofing structures, and BIPV life expectancies range in excess of 30 years, 33% higher than normal solar panels. There are currently more than 3,000 BIPV systems installed in Germany, and Japan has a program that plans to build 70,000 new BIPV buildings.
|
In terms of overall installed PV capacity, India comes fourth after Japan, the US and Germany (Indian Ministry of Non-conventional Energy Sources 2002). “India is the only country which has a separate ministry for alternative energy,” Nahar said. “Government support and subsidies have been a major influence in our progress.”
India is also in a good position because of the intense heat. “Arid regions receive plentiful solar radiation,” he said. In computed global solar radiation of arid stations in the Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana, it was found that Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, receives the maximum radiation at 6.27 kWh/m2 per day; the average daily duration of bright sunshine in Jodhpur, Rajasthan is 8.9 hours.
|
| Flag of India |
 |
| - A Solar Still - Why not combine in one module a distallation unit, thermal & photovoltaic collectors, & runoff capture? |
“Thermal solar energy can be used for water heating, cooking, drying, water distillation, refrigeration, and space heating and cooling,” continued Nahar. One of the most crucial of these uses is cooking, as half the total energy consumed in developing countries is used in the domestic cooking sector; there are currently over 500,000 solar cookers in use in India, according to Nahar, including the world’s largest solar cooking venue in Tirupati, which provides food for over 15,000 people each day.
Solar dryers, for dehydrating vegetables, and solar water heaters are also becoming popular. “Conventional water heaters require copper piping,” Nahar said. “We have developed models using gerberized steel.” These water heaters are currently used in hotels and hospitals, providing up to 100,000 litres of water per day; the cost of these is also decreasing steadily (Figure 3).
Another important area of development is that of solar stills, by which the acute draught and shortage of potable water, currently the cause of many physical disorders, can be alleviated.
| MEGAWATTS OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY INDIA – INSTALLED THRU 1999 |
 |
| India Has Many Alternatives For Renewable Energy |
In the latest models of solar stills, presuming the potable limit to be 1500 PPM TDS, as much as 50 litres per day of potable water can be made available from raw water with salinity of 5000 PPM TDS by installing a solar still of capacity 35 litre/day. If the per person requirement for drinking and cooking is 5 litres/day, this is enough for a family of 10.
Income can also be derived from solar stills. Considering the cost of the still, interest and maintenance, solar distilled water costs Rs. 0.98/litre, and the current market rate of distilled water is Rs. 3/litre. A solar still for the production of rose water has also been developed, which can be quite profitable. A unit with glass area 0.6 m2 costs only Rs. 900. Although irrigation facilities are required, the unit produces approximately 36 litres of rose water per month. The current market rate for rose water is Rs. 50/litre, which means that in the first month the unit has paid for itself– twice.
Other important areas of alternative energy development are those of wind power and biogas. Biogas plants have become increasingly prevalent–The present capacity of biomass-based power generation totals 358 MW and 42.8 MW biomass gasifier power has been installed and regarding wind power India keeps fifth place after Germany, the US, Denmark and the UK with a total wind power generation of 1507 MW (MNES 2002).
“The future of solar energy is bright,” Nahar said. “In the last 20 years, the cost of conventional power has been going up, and the cost of solar energy has been coming down.”
Brook and Gaurav Bhagat are writers and independent filmmakers based in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
I would like to install solar energy system in my house.
My house is in Allappy dist in Kerala, India
Please give me your suggestion and budjected cost for the installation of a solary pannel
Thanks
Philip
I am an entrepreneur / industrialist , am interested in generating solar energy in South India and am serious about backward integration for the manufacture of solar products. Requesting response from manufacturers of large scale / industrial solar power generation solution providers, BIPV specialists and also from the manufacturers / turnkey solution providers for the production line required for PV production.
Best Regards,
Omer Kaiser
Dear Sirs,
we are interested in solar system. Kindly give informations for our house in mumbai.
Regards
R.Anthony
Hello
I am interested in installing a solar photovoltaic system for power generation in our plantation near Pollachi near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu in India.
I would like to know how much it would cost to generate a power of 3KW.
Do you know if I am elligible for any govt subsidy?
Regards
Damodaran
ndamodaran@yahoo.com
solar energy
What is the current status of government subsidies in India for domestic installations? Mr. Kaiser, where are you located and whats your interest? I’m a Phyicist and also an entrepreneur looking at a solution. Could you kindly contact me at sswamina@yahoo.com
I am interested to know what current govt. subsidies are in place to encourage Solar panel installations?
THanks
Sumeet
I would like to install solar energy system in my house.
My house is in Trichy dist in Tamilnadu, India
Please give me your suggestion and budjected cost for the installation of a solar pannel
Thanks
Venkat
I would like to install solar energy system in my house.
My house is in near Coimbatore,tamilnadu
Any subsidies are available for installations from government.
Please give me your suggestion and budjected cost for the installation of a solar pannel
Thanks
I would like to install solar energy system in my house.
My house is in near Coimbatore,Tamilnadu – India
Any subsidies are available for installations from government.
Please give me your suggestion and budjected cost for the installation of a solar pannel
Thanks
Hi,
The Magarpatta City Housing society in Pune has installed Solar Panels. I understand that your Property Tax billwil be reduced to half or zero if you install Solar Panels and generate your own electricity in Maharashtra.
Need to check about the details of this program.
Regards,
S Jalali
Hi,
This is Vinodh from Bangalore.
I am looking for your advice on setting up a Solar manufacturing unit. Ofcourse, its going to be business deal between us. I need all the details from the scratch including setting it on overseas.
Kindly let me know these details as soon as possible. Please let me know if you need any more info to start converse with me.
Thanks
Vinodh
Hello,
I am running an ecolodge in MP. I am keen to set up
a solar energy generating unit to function water heating,
llight and cooking etc.
kindly do send us advice, process and the cost.
Thanks
Yours sincerely,
Vivek M. Sharma
HI,
I AM SULTHAN THANJAVUR DISTRICT.
I WOULD LIKE TO INSTALL SOLLAR ENERGY SYSTEM IN MY HOUSE.
MY HOUSE IS NEAR THANJAVUR. TAMIL NADU. INDIA.
ANY SUBSIDIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR ISTALLTIONS FROM GOVERNMENT.
PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR SUGGESTION AND BUDJECTED COST FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SOLLAR PANNEL.
THANKS,
I would llike to install solar cell for my house and shop. i live at trivandrum, Kerala. can u tell of its prospectes and budjeted cost. my electricity bills boils to almost 15000 per month
i would like to know the cost of a solar lighting system to be installed at my home in kerala trissur dist.please forward me the cost and requirements.
Dear sirs,
I am interested in setting up a solar power generating unit in Tamilnadu and planning for 1MW power production capacity . Kindly let me know the feasibility study , Investment , Subsidies , place required and the best suited place to set up the project .
Thanking you,
N.Krishna kumar.
hi krishna – u asked I am interested in setting up a solar power generating unit in Tamilnadu and planning for 1MW power production capacity. Kindly let me know the feasibility study , Investment , Subsidies, place required and the best suited place to set up the project.
Thanking u ur interested u want more details ur requierment call 09741109198
hi Vinod – I am looking for your advice on setting up a Solar manufacturing unit. Of course, its going to be business deal between us. I need all the details from the scratch including setting it on overseas.
Kindly let me know these details as soon as possible. Please let me know if you need any more info to start converse with me – u want to more details call 09741109198
I am also interested in solar system installation at our Delhi House. Please contact us at vijay6519@yahoo.com.
Hi,
Could you pls provide me the details on how to set up a solar power generation unit and the capital required along with the procedures and obstacles if any?
Best wishes,
Ashok.
Dear Sir
My Name is Velmurugan I’m from Tamilnadu,
I would like to install solar energy system in my house.
My house is in Dindigul dist, in Tamilnadu, India
Please give me your suggestion and budjected cost for the installation of a solary pannel
mail me : velmuruganchelliah@rediffmail.com
Thanks & Regards
Velmurugan C.
Dear Sir,
I am interested in obtaining distributorship for solar energy equipments.Can you please advise some names of leading Indian as well as Foreign Manufacturers.
Thanks & Regards
Sudhir
sir, i want to install an solar energy producing unit with an capacity of producing 500kva power around my steel manufacturing unit in chennai( tamil nadu) india
There are many people learning to install solar energy systems by themselves. It can be much less expensive than having someone install it professionally, and it is not very difficult. I have done it as well as many others, and I’m very happy with the results. I found a very good guide at http://homesolarenergy.weebly.com
Dear Sir
My Name is THIRU
I would like to install solar energy system in my house.
My house is in cuddalore dist, in Tamilnadu, India
Please give me your suggestion and budjeted cost for the installation of a solary pannel
mail me : lovearas@yahoo.com
Thanks & Regards
from
THIRUNAVUKKARASAN.
Hi ,
I want to install a solar energy system for my house. How much would that cost for lighting 6 bulbs 5 fans and a TV .
Regards
Madhavi
Attn
Sales Team,
Iam Ms Jennifer Miyamoto,from Elshelif Solar Co,Ltd as a Manager
We understand from your information posted on internet that you are in the market for pressure of Solar Panels which just fall into our business scope.So We are writing to enter into business relations with you on a basis of Purchasing Solar Panels of this watts Below,
80 Wp module,,,,,,,,,,45Pcs
75 Wp module,,,,,,,,,,80Pcs
110 Wp module,,,,,,,,,,35Pcs
99 Wp module,,,,,,,,30Pcs
120 Wp Module,,,,,,,20Pcs
So Provide us with an invoice for the above order cost and shipment to Enttebe Internationa Airport Kampala,
Thanx very much, Awaiting for your reply soon
Regards
Ms Jennifer Miyamoto
ELSHELIF SOLAR CO,LTD
PLOT 3 WILSON STREET
TEL,256-752-531363
TEL,256-701-887722
TEL,256-752-834496
FAX,256-412-531363
elshelif@lycos.com
jennifer.childcare@yahoo.com
Kampala
Sirs… From where can I get one unit of 200 lit for my house in Calicut Dist. Kerala with Govt. subsidy pricing?
Hello
I am interested in installing a solar photovoltaic system for power generation in our plantation near krishna district, andhrapradesh ,india
I would like to know how much it would cost to generate a power of 3KW.
Do you know if I am elligible for any govt subsidy?
Regards
vasu
bade.vasu@gmail.com
sir
i am vasu.i want some information about power plant subsidies
.i am from krishna district ,andhra pradesh, india
i would like to install the power plant .plz give some information
thanks
dear sir/ madam
i would like to know the approx cost for the installation of solar energy system for my home at samastipur, bihar.
requirement is 6 light, 5 fan and a tv
thanks
please mail me
Well said, finally a good report on this stuff
Hi
I am planning to install solar panel to my house . please let meknow how much it cost . i have 6 rooms . with 4 A/C’s . please let me know is there any subisdy if we install solar panels . i stay in hyderabad . thankyou
raghavendra_06@yahoo.co.uk
Sir,
I would like to a have solar system as a wholy depend upon .Is it possible?.
I will have a water pump of 1 HP,7 fans, 15 lights,T.V,Music sytems,Ironing,Fridge,One A/C (1 ton)
How much it will cost?Is subsidy available?
My house is located at thrissur ,Kerala
Thanking you,
Best Regards,
Suresh Gopalakrishnan
I would like to install solar energy system for my house.
Please give me detailed cost for the delivery & installation of a solary pannel.
And please let me know about the subsidies provided by the Government of India.
Thanks
Hi!
I would like the apartment complex I reside in to be fully serviced by Solar Energy.
Our Complex houses 32 families, is 7 storeyed and the space on the terrace would be about 6000 sq fts would it be possible to install it there, how much would it cost to do that?
Could you please provide me with the neccessary contact details to get in touch with the right people?
hii am planing for a solar energy for my home contact me.
thanx
our housing socity has decied to go for solapr panels .
kindly guide us how to go about ? (cost / agency involed/ govt subsidiy etc )
I would like to a have solar system for my house.
Need to understand cost for running 4 fans+ 4 CFL lights, A/C ( 1 tonne), 1 cooler
need to know about subsidy/cost/installation time, and other details if any
My house is located in Punjab
Regards.
Vishal
I m willing to install solar energy system in my house.
My house is in Jhansi dist, in Uttar Pradesh, India
Please give me your suggestion and budjeted cost for the installation of a solary pannel and govt. subsidits.
if u help then it could be extend to large scale to my friends , relatives.
Ecoworld has put up a fine article on solar energy. There has been tremendous reponse from the general public. Most of the people want to install solar systems in their houses. They have asked pertinent questions like, “If I install a 3KVA system, what would be the cost?” etc. . Despite my best efforts I couldn’t find the replies to these questions. I don’t know why? If somebody doesn’t reply then what is the good use of starting this discussion?
Will somebody educate me on the subject?
If nobody gives any response, then there is a danger that someone else may jump in and hijack this huge business. It would be appropriate if each and every question is taken individually and answered.
Regards,
Mr. Azfar A Khan
Pakistan
E-mail: azfar44@hotmail.com
So many people are interested in getting solar systems installed in their houses. I am surprised that no businesssman is coming forward to grab this opportunity. The requirement is to sit down and calculate how many panels would be required to power one fan and two energy savers, two fans and four energy savers, etc. The panels may be taken from home country itself as they would be cheap Or imported from China. It’s simple management and nothing else! The cost is a major factor which must be given. If some businessman has to succeed he/she must provide excelllent after sales service otherwise he/she would be wiped out from this business! People are also anxious to know government subsidies which must be told to them, at least by the concerned govt official!
Solar power is the future, Govt should encourage this in war footing to reduce our dependency in fossil fuels and to make our environment clean.
If solar power was that expensive as people claim and it is rightly so then how Nevarra, a region in Spain, generates 70% of its total electricity needs through solar and wind energy? And mind you! Nevarra doesn’t receive that much sunlight as it is received in Pakistan and India. Still, we are squandering this useful free resource! But, one thing is for sure! Unless we manufacture solar cells in our own country, the solar panels prices are not going to come down. It must be done on priority in Pakistan and India.
Azfar A Khan,
E-mail: azfar44@hotmail.com
I want to instal solar system in my remote land for TV, since i have already provide 3 lights 6V now they required my workers.
Dear G.Ravikumar , I can help you installing any type of green energy solution.
Mr Azfar A Khan, please be specific to your queries I will answer that. I can also help you in installing that.
I would like to a have solar system for my house.
Need to understand cost for running 4 fans+ 4 CFL lights, A/C ( 1 .5tonne), 1 fridge,1 washing machine+ 1 electric iron+1 r/o system
need to know about subsidy/cost/installation time, and other details if any
My house is located in bharuch , gujarat
Regards.
c p singh
I am currently constructing my first home and I want to install Solar Panels for generating electricity for basic household lights, fans, etc… Can you please e-mail me as to who can help me in this regard in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), India. I need a solution asap.
Hello…
I’m a desperate man, looking for a change. I live in Avadi/Chennai, here power cuts are frequent and for long period. So, I turning to mother nature for help. Pls can someone give any info on solar power for home, where, who and how much it would cost to lite up my house and run it.
Sorry.. I forgot to give email id
zeruba7@hotmail.com
Please some give me some info.
Thanks.
hi , i want to set up business in solar power in north india ( instaling solar panels and water heaters) can u please show me the way to good suppliars) Thanks
I am interested in installation of Solar power system for my house in Delhi having 2 A/Cs, 4 Tube lights, 4 Fans, 1 TV and 1 fridge necessarily.
Kindly provide the costing details including subsidy given by govt for installation. Also provide me the detail of life of the solar panels, technology used and the space required for installation
Regards
Hi,
I am interested in installation of Solar power system for my house in Delhi having 4 A/Cs, 10 Tube lights, 8 Fans, 2 TV and 1 fridge necessarily. Apart from this would like to use it for cooking and water heating also. In fact would like to shift to completely on Solar power system for complete day to day requirements.
Kindly provide the costing details including subsidy given by govt for installation. Also provide me the detail of life of the solar panels, technology used and the space required for installation
Regards
Prasun D Singh
Hi,
I am looking for your advice as want to start a business as Solar systems Distributor. Of course, its going to be business deal between us. I need all the details from the scratch including setting it on.
Kindly let me know these details as soon as possible. Please let me know if you need any more info to start converse with me – i am available on 9881233424 or u can mail me on the email id provided..
Dear sirs,
I am interested in setting up a solar power generating unit in Salem District,Tamilnadu and planning for 1MW power production capacity . Kindly let me know the feasibility study , Investment , Subsidies , place required and the best suited place to set up the project .
Thanking you,
Elangoramasamy
Interested in procuring solar panels for home installation.
Please send me details including price.
I am currently renorvating my home and I want to install Solar Panels for generating electricity for basic household lights, fans, etc… Can you please e-mail me as to who can help me in this regard in Mumbai
thanks
I want to know if there is any subsidy given for installing PV Solar Panels for generating approximately 35KVA power,to a private company in Thane,Maharashtra and what is the proceedure for it
Please let me know the budget to make full house with solar powered.
Dear Sirs,
I am Interested to setting up solar power in my home / and setting up a solar power generating unit in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, kindly inform me place required, investment , subsidies …etc detail of project cost for 1MW power production.
thanks & regards,
Shajahan
I want know how much cost for making a solar setup in a home. With 4 Fans, 10 CFL 15W lights, TV 58W, DVD Player and DTH set-top box.
Also is it possible to add induction cooker 1800W to solar, which runs 2-3Hrs a day.
i have a house in kaushambi,ghaziabad and wish to know solar energy panel options for running routine household electrical appliances.
Hello,
Wat will be the cost of installing Solar System for 1000Kv to 2000kv & its annual maintaince cost in mumbai Suburbans. Also space required for the system.
i have a retail store, my energy requirements are huge.
please tell me what it will cost to produce 8-10 kw.
also let me know the technology to be used .
what kind of subsidies the govt. grants.
My house is in Alleppy, Kerala. I have 3 A/c and 8 Tubelights, 6 Fans and 2 TV’s at home. I would like to install solar Energy system at my house. Can you please give me a approximate idea about the cost ?
Nobody is getting answers to their questions…!!!
I am interested to fix solar energy lights in our residential complex. It is requested to kindly let me know how much expenditure will come one fixing of 40 lights.