⌈Author’s note: For August, 2016 topic- I’ve decided to compile 2nd quarter (April-June) solar development report for Y2016. As such, the showcase is going to be in two parts; Part I) solar technical development news; Part II) solar milestone achieved in specific countries. Read all parts to track down solar development for Y 2016 and share the message with global audience.⌋

PART I

Today, we see around us large photovoltaic arrays sprouting up at all corners of the globe. Cumulative conversion from all these solar farms still accounts for only 1% of the world’s electricity , though overall, solar growth is 12% globally. Environmentalists labeled this 1% as zero-carbon electricity source and feel that a race is needed throughout to attain broad success. The most kind part in solar story is, once panels are installed and paid off, they generate power for free for next two decades or so. 

A closer Look: Why and How solar is getting cheaper

Attention 1: Cost of crystalline silicon photovoltaic panel─ has fallen about 80% till date. Two facts helped shaping up this report: i) China ramped up manufacturing Si-PV panel, ii) efficiency of solar cells keep improving incrementally.

In a situation like this, adding more and more solar panels in our backyard stockpiles enough electricity during the day, ramping up to a peak in the afternoon when the sun is high in the sky. This theory is clear to everyone now. No doubt, electricity consumption also soars on hot sunny afternoons. Now, the electrical network in the neighborhood is “grid only” with the agreed upon NEM. During mid-day hrs. price of electricity falls to an all-time low generating less revenue overtime. Why this happens? Electricity runs in the grid is from burning fossil fuels. Based on utility report, when solar infiltration rises from 0-15% in a given grid system the value of solar roughly falls by half. In other words, as solar energy stockpiles, every -kWh energy price falls flat to the ground. Table below registered solar price for yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Attention 2: Current solar momentum is daunted with some serious economic obstacles. This curbed solar dominancy though solar is getting cheaper everyday. Installation cost is still high for everyday people and considered as a luxury item. 60% of total budget for solar for any house covers only panel cost and installation service. To make solar a major energy source all sorts of clever methods needs to be integrated in our lives. Utility and policy makers joint attention is needed to make our walls, windows or, to the roof-tops to a profitable power house. Below are some cost justifying ideas for solar energy resonating with everyday people’s demand:

1. ROBOTs (for installation task) – Robots are now getting trained to replace human solar installer. Ultimate installation cost would cut down many times when this will happen. We know it’s easier said than done but yet, hope is on our way.

2. STORAGE: TESLA Motor Inc.’s name is associated exclusively for humanizing solar electricity storage technology. The company’s mission is harness, store, and power. TESLA’s mottoTrading with this TESLA developed Powerwall home battery line – is available in the market now. Powerwall is for to store and distribute electricity in consumer homes. Stepping up a little further TESLA is now advocating for (TRIFECTA solution) to accelerate transition for sustainable transportation by adopting Powerwall in the system as expressed with the image below.

A joint service of Solar panel, TESLA electric car, Powerwall

3. GRID SHARING: If a given grid system becomes saturated with solar, it can connect with nearby grids to ease the strain. For example, California (CA) and six (6) neighboring states (NV, OR, UT, AZ, CO) has a grid sharing agreement and running a profitable energy business in USA.

4. SMART WATER HEATER: A clever method is to use of a Smart Water Heater to absorb excess solar electricity during the day (to heat up water), and storing it for later use. Utilities needs to shift electricity demand aligned with solar output by introducing Smart Water Heater.

5. RAIL STORAGE: Another unconventional way is- storing electricity on train. Rail storage is an appealing low-tech simplicity. Rail itself is a well-understood technology to all─ using it for energy storage and consumption is just a clever way of repurposing existing materials. The train goes up. The train goes down; in carrying out the task energy is needed. For smooth intermittent power production and hold the power for when it is most needed a train can run in open land and a slope at different time of day. Low cost solar power to drive a train uphill and then letting the train roll downhill to produce power when natural energy production is low will shift load from grid.
Take Home Message: Both Storage and Smart water heater solutions are conditional. For storage, battery costs need to fall as sharply as it hoped and proposed. Whereas, for Smart Water Heater solution utility needs planning to build setting up heaters. Still, experts think that a back-up plan is needed to thrive solar industry. We will highlight this in PART II.

X-X

ENTERTAINMENT: Watch the Super nova Video below

30 thoughts on “Race for zero-carbon electricity”

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