PV Gap

Stacey Said:

Do agencies give grants to organizations that are for profit?

We Answered:

If the company is the best solution or the best alternative, agencies will use them.

Arlene Said:

As a council member of a local government, What issue can I make to support taxing homeowners on solar energy?

We Answered:

You are exactly what is wrong with Gov/t. in the US. Tax the sun? Don't forget the wind? How about the air? They are breathing, aren't they? Are you near a large body of water? You could tax the current too! Does it get dark there at night? Don't forget the moon, you'll rake it in when there's a full moon. You should be dropping taxes on any alternative energy projects, inviting these types of activities, even supplementing the cost of the install, not taxing it. I'm glad I don't live where you rule the peasants! If I did you would be getting recalled and tossed!
So put the freakin panels on your city buildings to drive down your expenses. Do this right before you LEAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Terry Said:

Solar Energy Money Saving?

We Answered:

Knock about 20% off the peak power rating to calculate what you'll really get from the array, considering the way panels are usually specified too optimistically, and system efficiency. So for you, let's say 4 kW is the real power.

Then go to this site:

http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsr…

and choose Average, Annual, south-facing tilted at latitude (or whatever is appropriate), and look at the map. The map will show you how many peak-equivalent hours of sun you get in your area. Let's say the number is 6 for now, but you can look up the real number.

4 * 6 = 24 kWh average per day you should expect. This number is averaged over the whole year, so counts rainy days, winter, and everything else. Multiply 24 * 365 to find the kWh per year. Then check with your school office for how much the school pays per kWh, and you'll have your cost savings per year.

If you've already raised the money, you might just use the 5 kW number, to get an optimistic savings per year. This will make the donors feel good. Also emphasize how long the system will last - long enough for students today to have kids of their own attending the school.

Mario Said:

Which statement about renewable energy sources provides an advantage to both the economy and the environment?

We Answered:

Clearly the answer is C. But this is actually a trick question. The point you are trying to make is that we have to take into account the environmental impact of the new energy source since infrastructure development affects the environment adversely in most cases.

Sue Said:

Solar Panel/Energy help?

We Answered:

The rating of a solar panel is a maximum continuous rating. A 200 Watt panel will give a maximum of 200 watts under ideal conditions.
A computer and monitor use about 400 Watts. not per hour - watts is Volts * Amps and a measure of Power. In 1 hour a computer and monitor uses 400 Watt hours (Wh). Wh is a measure of Energy.

To power a lab of 10 computers you will need 10* 400 = 4000 Watts.
To run this from solar panels through the day only you would need a 4000 Watt panel.
Except - its cloudy, the sun is in the wrong place - many factors reduce the output.

To be reasonably safe you would need about a 12000 Watt panel.
Then you would need
batteries to store power through dull periods AND
a voltage converter to change from low voltage DC from the solar panels to the mains voltage for your computers.