Why Californians Are Going Solar

Solar power users aren't just a bunch of tree-huggers anymore.

This stems from the old adage "necessity is the mother of invention." Faced with higher energy bills and no end in sight, many ratepayers cut their consumption by updating to fluorescent light bulbs, purchasing more energy efficient appliances and adding better insulation to their houses. For most it just meant switching off lights when they weren't needed.

In a very short time after its "energy crisis" of 2000-2001, Californians became the most energy-efficient users in the nation. Did this reduce their energy costs? No, but conserving did seem to stave off increases since then. San Diego Gas & Electric uses a five-tier billing system with a baseline rate of 13.4 cents per kilowatt hour rising to 20.1 cents in the fifth tier. Basically, the more electricity used the more expensive it gets. To put this in perspective, most of the country averages about eight cents per kilowatt hour. So paying about twice as much as their neighbors in Arizona, solar becomes an option.

Upfront costs for photovoltaic systems (PV) are helped with incentives now offered by numerous states (see www.dsireusa.com). California offers both a rebate and an income tax credit for ratepayers tied to the big public utilities. New Jersey, New York and about a dozen other states offer various inducements as well.

Having sold Uni-Solar systems for three years now in the San Diego area, I've found the high cost of power coupled with the incentives make sense for moderate to heavy electricity users. Factoring in the potential annual increase of 4-5%, solar makes even more sense.

"The way I see it, I'd have to pay my electric bill no matter what it costs in the future," said an early customer who was financing his PV system. "But by purchasing solar, I divert most of what I'd pay to SDG&E to my bank for a system I will eventually own outright. Then I'll be generating free electricity."

While financial reasons are tantamount, there are others. Many ratepayers still resent the manipulation and greed to led to California's "energy crisis." Besides Enron, several other utility providers and brokers were complicit in the debacle. These are the "backlash" customers.

Other customers you could call the "tree-hugger" types but when you consider that one basic 2.5Kw PV system reduces annual greenhouse emissions by two tons, their actions are profound. Then there are those enamored with the technology. People with Uni-Solar laminates on their steel seam roofs or solar shingles on their composite roofs deserve some bragging rights. These are, after all, cutting edge PV applications.

Finally, there are those who simply believe going solar (or wind in the right areas) is the right thing to do. These homeowners are the select few who drive hybrids and have retrofit their homes to "green" standards. They don't preach; they lead by example.

Uni-Solar v. Crystalline: A Primer

Right now the types of photovoltaics (PV) are limited to crystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous silicon. Without getting too technical, here's a quick primer on the differences.

The first two use silicon cells (a.k.a. semi-conductor chips) that require glass as the transparent rigid medium which holds the cells in place and protects them from the elements. Polycrystalline cells are ground or fragmented silicon cells (often surplus from the electronics or aerospace industries) mounted in glass. Silicon cells respond mostly to infrared and red light prevalent in mid-day sun from say 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Uni-Solar PV is amorphous silicon, comprised of indium tin oxide (a transparent metal!), germanium, zinc oxide and silver on a substreet (backing) of stainless steel. Arranged in layers, these components comprise Uni-Solar's triple-junction technology. They produce not only from infrared/red light but also the blue band (mornings) and green band (evenings) of the spectrum. Thus, by beginning to produce earlier and later, Uni-Solar cells can produce more energy per rated watt than its crystalline competitors--as much as 20% more. The adjoining pictures show newly-made Uni-Solar continuous thin-film cells; the other shows a polycrystalline cell (left) and a crystalline cell. (Click any graphic for a larger view.)

Other Differences
Form: Standard silicon cells--with rare exceptions--come as framed modules that sit on racks on a roof or ground mount. They weigh four pounds or more per square foot installed. Uni-Solar offers framed modules, PV laminates for steel seam roofs and solar shingles that simulate composite shingles. Uni-Solar framed modules weigh about two pounds per square foot installed; laminates and shingles just 7/10 of a pound.

Durability: Standard cells use tempered glass which is pretty strong but can be heavy and breakable. Uni-Solar cells are encapsulated in a transparent teflon and are just 1/8 inch thick. Durable but not brittle they are simply unbreakable.

Affects of Heat: In heat extremes, glass modules can absorb heat that has an adverse affect on the silicon cells' performance; as much as 23% less production during extended periods of hot sunlight. However, Uni-Solar's thin-film cells run cooler and an average of just 3% efficiency is lost in extreme heat.

Cloudiness & Shading: Uni-Solar's wider spectral response to the sun's light makes it a good choice for less sunny climes or coastal areas affected by marine layers. As for shading a recent article in Mother Earth News explains it well: "For crystalline PV, electricity production is more affected by shadows; when just one cell is shaded, it blocks the flow of all electricity in that series. UniSolar amorphous PV transfers electricity using a weblike series of connections that bypasses shaded areas. (See "Crystalline v. Amorphous Silicon" link at right for full article.)

Versatility: As featured in the previous two posts in this blog, Uni-Solar offers true building-integrated photovoltaic options. If aesthetics are a must our PV laminates for metal roofs and solar shingles can't be beat for looks, low weight and toughness. If aesthetics aren't important then Uni-Solar framed modules perform better and weigh less than their silicon cousins without the worry of cracking or actual breakage.

Environmental Impact: All solar-powered energy reduces greenhouse emissions by not having to burn fossil fuels. What about the conventional energy that goes into making PV cells? It's a good question and hardcore environmentalists have used it to rap the PV industry. It takes about eight years for a standard silicon cell to produce as much energy as it took to produce it. It takes about a year and a half for a Uni-Solar cell to produce as much as it took in its production. Ideally, all cells will one day be produced by clean solar or wind energy resulting in zero emissions in the manufacturing process.

Have more questions or need pricing? Email me at dbrands@cox.net.

Versatile Uni-Solar PV Laminates

Perhaps there is no solar cell with as many possibilities as the Uni-Solar photovoltaic laminate (PVL).

Like all Uni-Solar products, PVLs are lightweight and unbreakable thin-film cells comprised of the patented triple-junction. This means they respond to three bands of the sun's spectrum and therefore can produce as much as 20% more energy than standard crystalline or polycrystalline cells.

Uni-Solar PVLs are peel-and-stick cells that smartly fit standard 16-inch wide galvalume finish seams for all-metal roofs. (They are also applied single-membrane roofs on large commercial and industrial buildings.) While many galvalume seams will work, your best bet is to go with the McElroy 24-guage Medallion-Lok 16" seams which feature Kynar 500 coatings that protect against panel chalking and fading (www.mcelroymetal.com). Seams come in various colors and they can even match most colors. If you already have a metal seam roof be sure it's a galvalume finish and that the "pans" between the seams are flat with no ripples or embossing.

Waterproof quick-connect wires are attached to the top of each PVL which are hidden under the metal ridge cap. Like Uni-Solar shingles, PVLs weigh just 7/10 lb per square foot installed (not including seams, of course). All laminates are 15.5" wide and come in six lengths ranging from 4.5 to 18 feet. While bonding the PVLs to seams is rather simple, it's suggested to get specific instructions on bonding if you're self-installing. Many solar installers are familiar with our bonding process should you have your project contracted out.

Unique and versatile. Pictures (click to enlarge) hereon include PVL on a standard metal seam roof; on metal seam awnings; on a carport and even at San Francisco International Airport. Uni-Solar PVL exemplifies the ultimate in building-integrated photovoltaics.

Powered by Uni-Solar Shingles!

Just west of San Diego State University is the community of Talmadge, named after the movie star sisters of the silent screen. The story has it that Talmadge sisters got Buster Keaton to join them in the opening of the development but a massive rainstorm commenced that day and few showed up to meet the legendary comic.

Two years ago the Fullerton's, happy Talmadge residents, were about to re-roof their classic house and inquired about incorporating Uni-Solar's shingles. If aesthetics and weight are considerations, these thin-film shingles are the answer. Designed to emulate standard composite shingles they weigh just 7/10 lb per square foot--about the same weight and thickness as asphalt shingles. They are totally impermeable, unbreakable and reliably produce electricity. They are a C-rated roofing material and can be A-rated against fire by using Versashield underlayment. (Note: The shingles pictured show some redness from solarization; an adjustment at the factory has eliminated this and all shingles are now dark blue in color. Click on the each picture for a larger view.)

Uni-Solar shingles are the ultimate in building-integrated photovoltaics for homeowners with shingle roofs. For existing houses however, some prerequisites must be met. First, all wiring is connecting through the roof sheathing so these won't work with vaulted (cathedral) type ceilings for obvious reasons. Second, attic space must be sizeable enough for working underneath. Third, there must be at least 18 vertical inches in the attic between the joists and the sheathing overhead to begin the array on top. In the attic this means starting the array about three feet in from the wall.

Turnkey installations are now available in L.A., Orange and San Diego counties and solar shingle kits are available nationwide. Kits are intended for grid-tied connection so they come complete with inverter, solar subgroup panel, AC & DC disconnects, wiring and conduit, fasteners and manual. Kit sizes are 1.8kW (requires 315 square feet of roof space) and 2.5kW (requires 450 s.f.). In San Diego the 1.8 system will produce about 235 kw hours; the 2.5 about 350. Need more power? Buy more kits.

Can the typical homeowner install a solar shingles kit? I'd say the handier person with basic electrical knowledge and patience is the best candidate. (Otherwise, it becomes a rather expensive hobby that may never get done!). You could approach your roofer and/or electrician for installation, as well. Contact me at dbrands@cox.net for questions and pricing.

Solar Power, Global Warming and Jobs

Uni-Solar announced June 15 that it will break ground this month on a new photovoltaic manufacturing plant near its existing plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The new plant will mirror the present PV factory effectively doubling the production capacity to 50 megawatts a year.

Tax incentives from the State of Michigan amounting to $6.1 million over 20 years and $100,000 Economic Development Training Grant sweetened the reasons for locating the second plant just miles from the Uni-Solar home factory. The new 160,000 square foot facility will house Uni-Solar's unique thin-film solar panel manufacturing equipment and provide 200 more jobs.

"Finding alternative sources of energy is critical in the new economy of the 21st century," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Michigan remains committed to staying at the forefront of alternative energy research, development and manufacturing, and companies such as United Solar Ovonic and ECD Ovonics [Uni-Solar's parent company] will help us achieve our goals."

Why doesn't the federal government provide more of such tax incentives to PV manufacturers? The answer has many "reasons" and here are a few:

First, President Bush says he supports alternative energy sources but offers huge incentives for continuing oil and gas exploration and "cleaner coal" technologies in the present energy bill. The plan gives $8 billion in new tax breaks to oil corporations and $2 billion in incentives to the coal industry. This after Exxon-Mobil generated $25 billion in profits last year--the most by any corporation in U.S. history.

Second, Bush stubbornly avoids or ignores the preponderance of data showing man-made causes for global warming--mostly from burning fossil fuels. He won't even mandate increased gas mileage on new American vehicles either, which would at least slow greenhouse pollution and decrease our dependence on Arab oil. But then, how would the likes of Exxon-Mobil continue making their gross--and I mean gross--profits?

Third, the Administration says taking part in the Kyoto Accords would hurt our economy. Hmmm, how would that happen?

Increasing gas mileage means Americans could travel farther on a gallon of gas while reducing CO2 emissions. Slower gas consumption would stabilize or even reduce gas prices allowing for more dollars to be spent elsewhere. How would that hurt the economy?

Significant energy could be conserved by doing fairly simple things. Mandating businesses to use fluorescent lighting over incandescent not only saves on lighting costs but can mitigate air-conditioning costs. The heat given off by standard light bulbs in factories can be very high. Upgrading insulation and using light-colored or reflective paints on flat factory roofs can provide further energy savings. Again, this savings can be utilized for other things. How can this be bad for the economy?

The Bush Administration says jobs would be lost. Well, more jobs have been lost under his leadership than any president since WW II and there has been little effort to replace them. Furthermore, oil drilling, refining, coal mining and modern power plants are so automated today that they employ far less personnel than most people think. By supporting solar or wind technologies, job growth could be phenomenal. In fact, since Germany got serious about solar ten years ago 350,000 jobs were created alone in that emerging industry. Germany today has about 84.5 million people and the U.S. has 296 million. Do the math.

I liked the way Bush's predecessor summed up the whole issue at the recent Aspen Ideas Festival in Colorado (Aspen Times, July 12, 2005):

"We've got to make it a national security argument and we've got to make it a jobs argument and we've got to make the price of oil irrelevant," Bill Clinton said, suggesting the country could create millions of jobs if alternative energy efforts received a fraction of the tax incentives that go to "old energy."

"This is a lay-down economically and it's nuts that we're not doing it," said the former president, earning a round of applause not just in Harris Hall, but in nearby Paepcke Auditorium, where an overflow audience and members of the press watched a simulcast of the interview.

Solar Power at a Horse Farm

Diane Sherman is a full-time nurse and a parttime horse trainer who shares a house with her mother in Alpine, California, about 30 minutes east of San Diego. Her acre-plus plot is also home to a splendid menagerie of horses, ponies, donkeys, goats, chickens, dogs and a cat.

Diane was one of my "backlash" customers; one who resented the obvious deception and greed of the so-called California energy crisis of 2000-2001. By placing Uni-Solar framed modules on a four-bay workshop/garage and on an open barn, we were able to nearly zero out her electricity bill. The system also allows her to train horses at night under the lights of her walking pen adjacent to the barn.

The system is 12Kw/DC consisting of 188 US-64 watt framed modules with 10.2Kw on the barn and 1.8Kw on the workshop/garage. Sunny year-round and just minutes north of the US-Mexico border, the system generates 1674 kWHrs on average per month. With just one adjustment, the system is tied to the San Diego Gas & Electric grid and has been producing continuously since its commissioning in December 2003.