Would you be willing to rent your roof? That's just what Duke Energy will be asking people in North Carolina to do over the next couple of years. The utility is planning to rent space at 425 sites across the state to start generating solar power by 2010.
The power company originally wanted to install solar panels at 850 sites at a cost of $100 million, but the plan was struck down by a consumer advocacy group within the state's Utilities Commission. The revised $50 million project is expected to generate enough electricity to power 1,300 homes. All residential customers, whether they're renting their roofs or not, will pay 8 cents a month for the project. Commercial customers and factories will pay more per month.
Duke's ambitious plan is spurred by North Carolina's requirement that renewable energy produce 12.5 percent of the state's electricity by 2021. The utility thinks the project could go a long way towards meeting the state's goal if they could ultimately install panels at thousands of sites.
Duke isn't alone in their roof-rental idea. Southern California Edison and Austin Energy are both planning similar programs.
The idea is logical since most households can't afford the cost of installing their own solar PV units and utilities want to quickly add renewables to their portfolio. The downside is that the cost is pretty high for a fairly modest return in energy. I also wonder about the effectiveness of small solar panel installations scattered across a state compared to larger concentrated projects. Who knows? I could very well be surprised by the outcome. This just may be the next big thing.
via Green Inc.
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written by Robert Witham, December 12, 2008
I like the idea of utility companies migrating toward renewable energy. I also think the idea of renting rooftops in innovative. I have to agree with your question though as to whether this is the best approach. It would seem that large-scale solar projects would be more efficient to set-up and maintain. Perhaps renting space on factory/warehouse roofs would be cost-effective since the number of panels that could be installed would be much higher. It will be interesting to see how these projects evolve over the next few years.
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written by EcoInsomniac, December 12, 2008
I love this idea. I think that commercial and residential roof space is a complete waste and is pretty much only there for decoration. Why not make a few bucks by leasing the space out to a company that's trying to produce green energy? I'd do it in a heart beat.
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written by Tom, December 12, 2008
It is true that PV installation maintenance would probably be cheaper if it were all centrally located, but the economics of PV don't all run this way. The way I understand it, most of PV cost is in manufacture, since there are no moving parts, and there are benefits to a distributed layout, most importantly, putting power closer to where it is used should greatly reduce transmission losses (which I think accounts for something like 20% of power produced). If the alternative is to cover potentially productive land, this may be the best available way to use PV.
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written by James, December 12, 2008
The other perk to remember is the reduced need for large transmission lines to feed the electricity from the plant. Remember the energy loss just from transmission. In addition, diversified locations are not subject to local clouding. Lastly, it puts the visibility of electricity production on the top of everyone's mind - literally and figuratively!!
2 analogies to think about -
time to move from 'Mainframe' energy generation to 'Personal Computing' generation
or
do you put all your money into a few stocks or invest in a diversified portfolio?
2 analogies to think about -
time to move from 'Mainframe' energy generation to 'Personal Computing' generation
or
do you put all your money into a few stocks or invest in a diversified portfolio?
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written by Solar GuyNW, December 13, 2008
Jobs! Installing hundreds of smaller systems on residential and small business rooftops will provide jobs for more people in the community! And jobs IN the community keep dollars in the community as they cycle through the system.
Bandwagon effect: Few people ever see the large utility scale PV systems. PV seems very remote for most people. Having hundreds of rooftops with solar will reinforce the validity of solar as a real solution.
PS: Drop the word "Alternate" from your discussions about solar. Use "Responsible" or "Renewable" or "Clean" energy as they more accurately reflect what solar, wind, biomass, etc are all about.
"Alternative" has a connotation of not being quite as good. I wanted to stay at the Hilton, but it was full so I had to settle for the alternative... Motel 6. Others think of "alternative lifestyles" with a negative connotation. "RESPONSIBLE Energy" relates to environmental, social, political, and financial aspects of these technologies.
Bandwagon effect: Few people ever see the large utility scale PV systems. PV seems very remote for most people. Having hundreds of rooftops with solar will reinforce the validity of solar as a real solution.
PS: Drop the word "Alternate" from your discussions about solar. Use "Responsible" or "Renewable" or "Clean" energy as they more accurately reflect what solar, wind, biomass, etc are all about.
"Alternative" has a connotation of not being quite as good. I wanted to stay at the Hilton, but it was full so I had to settle for the alternative... Motel 6. Others think of "alternative lifestyles" with a negative connotation. "RESPONSIBLE Energy" relates to environmental, social, political, and financial aspects of these technologies.
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written by Bob Wallace, December 13, 2008
NanoSolar argues that having people crawling onto lots of rooftops is an inefficient business model.
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
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written by Bob Wallace, December 13, 2008
NanoSolar argues that having people crawling onto lots of rooftops is an inefficient business model.
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
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written by Bob Wallace, December 13, 2008
NanoSolar argues that having people crawling onto lots of rooftops is an inefficient business model.
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
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written by Bob Wallace, December 13, 2008
NanoSolar argues that having people crawling onto lots of rooftops is an inefficient business model.
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
Who's going to adjust those panels several times a year as the sun's path shifts?
Who's going to climb up there and clean off the snow?
Why it this site's software so crappy?
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written by Tem Kuechle, December 13, 2008
I think the distributed pv panels would be most efficient and over thirty years this is an affordable system. I think it comes to about $107 month per house over thirty years. That is a little pricey for me, but I live where it makes sense to have PV on my roof. Most roofs around my neighborhood are ugly composite, maybe they could be updated to metal with integrated PV. That would be a far better use of realestate.
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written by Mike, December 14, 2008
This article is very interesting, thank you very much for the information.
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written by cobobs, December 14, 2008
Something of the sort, with a somewhat different business model is already being done in Germany.
What is the relative cost of manufacturing solar film:
http://www.solar-world.com/PowerFilm.htm
which could potentially be mounted on walls, in addition to roofs?
What is the relative cost of manufacturing solar film:
http://www.solar-world.com/PowerFilm.htm
which could potentially be mounted on walls, in addition to roofs?
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written by Bob Wallace, December 14, 2008
Wall mount is problematic. Panels perform best when directly facing the sun. And early/late in the day the sunlight is weakened by having to pass through more of our atmosphere.
Throughout the year I adjust my panels from latitude 15 degrees for mid winter to latitude - 15 degrees for mid summer. At latitude close to the equinoxes. A straight up and down wall isn't going to get much direct sun even on December 21.
The angle problem may disappear. Researchers have discovered an almost perfect coating that absorbs around 99% of the light hitting a panel's surface regardless of the angle. Time will tell how well it holds up in actual use and whether it is affordable.
Throughout the year I adjust my panels from latitude 15 degrees for mid winter to latitude - 15 degrees for mid summer. At latitude close to the equinoxes. A straight up and down wall isn't going to get much direct sun even on December 21.
The angle problem may disappear. Researchers have discovered an almost perfect coating that absorbs around 99% of the light hitting a panel's surface regardless of the angle. Time will tell how well it holds up in actual use and whether it is affordable.
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written by Bob Wallace, December 14, 2008
Wall mount is problematic. Panels perform best when directly facing the sun. And early/late in the day the sunlight is weakened by having to pass through more of our atmosphere.
Throughout the year I adjust my panels from latitude 15 degrees for mid winter to latitude - 15 degrees for mid summer. At latitude close to the equinoxes. A straight up and down wall isn't going to get much direct sun even on December 21.
The angle problem may disappear. Researchers have discovered an almost perfect coating that absorbs around 99% of the light hitting a panel's surface regardless of the angle. Time will tell how well it holds up in actual use and whether it is affordable.
Throughout the year I adjust my panels from latitude 15 degrees for mid winter to latitude - 15 degrees for mid summer. At latitude close to the equinoxes. A straight up and down wall isn't going to get much direct sun even on December 21.
The angle problem may disappear. Researchers have discovered an almost perfect coating that absorbs around 99% of the light hitting a panel's surface regardless of the angle. Time will tell how well it holds up in actual use and whether it is affordable.
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written by Justin, December 15, 2008
How do we get this program in Texas?? There's a ton of sun here and lots of stupid big roofs to put them on.
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written by boohoo, December 18, 2008
Jobs! Installing hundreds of smaller systems on residential and small business rooftops will provide jobs for more people in the community! And jobs IN the community keep dollars in the community as they cycle through the system.
Wrong. More jobs will be created for commercial installations, hands down. For example: a small contractor could get the job for an entire neighborhood or development and have 3 to 6 months to finish the job. In CA a solar contractor does not need an architect or engineer to do the work, so only a dozen day laborers would get the work spread over the course of the project. If he bid the lowest and the local utility gave extra points for SBE, this contractor might get the job and try to keep a huge profit margin by doing the job with as little labor as possible, right up to the deadline.
However, if commercial sites are the focus an engineering firm or architect would have to get the job (or a large contractor with engineers on staff). This scenario would employ engineers, architects and contractors. Also this scenario would pay salaries and benefits to employees (if the job is big enough additional would be hired).
Residential work bills less per hour and doesn't always require the real experts to get involved in the construction process (i.e. engineers and architects). Plus, how would the local utility handle the losses after a flood hurricane or earthquake? It would be much easier to deal with a corporate entity leasing the space than to hundreds of individuals.
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written by Robert Pritchett, December 26, 2008
Are they affiliating with Citizenre?
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Citizenre_Corporation
http://peswiki.com/index.php/Directory:Citizenre_Corporation
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