Solar history: Bell Labs and the first modern silicon solar cell
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Technological advances, such as updates to the photovoltaic cell, continue to push solar energy forward and help it join mainstream society. Perhaps the largest breakthrough in thrusting solar energy onto the main stage was the invention of the modern silicon solar cell, which by all accounts, was a mistake.
Early inventions paved the way for the modern silicon cell, most notably by French physicist A. E. Becquerel in 1839 who discovered the photo-electric effect- the birth of the photovoltaic cell. It was in 1883 that the first cell was built by Charles Fritts. These cells used a layer of gold to form junctions and were about 1% efficient.
A few iterations later, the modern silicon cell was stumbled upon by Bell Labs in 1954. While researching semi-conductors, scientists realized that when silicon was combined with certain “impurities” it became highly sensitive to light.
Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson, all of Bell Labs, converted the accidental discovery into the first practical device that converted sunlight into energy, the beginning of modern solar energy. Dubbed a solar battery, the first modern silicon cells debuted by powering a toy windmill and a radio, reaching an efficiency level of 6 percent.
The silicon cells became the basis for launching the solar energy industry. One year later, Western Electric licensed commercial solar cell technologies, and in 1957 the three scientist received a U.S. patent for a “Solar Energy Converting Apparatus.”
Shortly thereafter, in March of 1958, the scientists at Bell Labs reached true “stardom,” as the U.S. satellite Vangard I was launched with solar panels. This use of solar energy helped to spur government investment into solar energy, further bolstering the creation of the solar energy industry.
Today, new technology is starting to eclipse the use of the silicon cell, but many solar panels you see still use, or are based on, the silicon cell model as a means of converting natural sunlight into clean energy.
Choosing the right solar for your home
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Solar Energy World offers two ways to use solar energy in your home: solar electric and solar thermal systems. Both allow you to create a tangible investment in your home while reaping some of the incentives for yourself.
Solar electric systems use photovoltaic panels in conjunction with a regular source of electricity provided by your utility company. The panels capture solar energy and convert it, then power it back into your electric system. If you don’t use the solar power generated energy, it goes back into the grid and you’re credited with it.
Solar thermal systems heat water, one of the biggest energy consumers in your home. Sunlight will heat your water from about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting energy savings can be drastic!
Solar Energy World can help you navigate the best solar energy systems and help you choose the right ones for your home. Contact us to get started!
Solar in the News: Maryland Correctional Institution
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To continue the growth of the Maryland solar industry, the state is expanding its solar energy projects to include a $70 million dollar investment at a state prison near Hagerstown. The solar energy farm would sit on 50 state-owned acres surrounding the medium-security Maryland Correctional Institution and inmates will tend the grounds and keep the panels clean. California currently uses open space around correctional facilities to house solar panels.
Construction is planned to begin this year with completion by December 2012. The solar energy farm would project enough energy to power 2,250 homes and help meet requirements of a state law mandating that 20 percent of Maryland’s electricity be generated from renewable energy sources by 2022.
Maryland’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Service approves of the project, noting that the photovoltaic solar panel farm would make productive use of the land and provide employment opportunities for inmates in the pre-release system. The installation is a great example of the commercial use of solar energy.
Source: BusinessWeek
Energy Summit: How is Maryland fairing with the energy plan? (part 6)
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On a good note:
Project Sunburst, established in April of 2010, will produce more than 12,000 MWh of solar energy per year in Maryland.
To date, Maryland has awarded grants totaling $10.6 million to 2,450 Maryland businesses and families, contributing 17,700 MWh Maryland generated solar energy per year.
On the flip side:
The Wind Energy Act was not passed this past spring. As you can see above, offshore wind is a large chunk of our energy future.
As Mike Tidwell, Chesapeake Climate Action Network stated at the Energy Summit, “Offshore wind builds jobs and helps with our land loss due to climate change. And, it brings manufacturing back to Maryland”.
“We have to do something about rate shock” said Governor O’Malley. A representative from Pepco stated “the debt issue is a concern for the utility putting them in a risky position. Pepco would have to spread the costs to both commercial and residential consumers”.
Clearly, there are challenges that need to be overcome regarding the Offshore Wind Act. But, we don’t foresee this being taken off the table any time soon.
During the Energy Summit Governor O’Malley spoke about the progress that has been made in the solar industry.
Challenging the speakers, O’Malley quickly asked “what are we doing to accelerate that?”
To continue the growth the state needed to stay vigilant with the incentives. Residential solar is a quick deployment and incentives drive residential change.
Another speaker mentioned the need for more defined guidelines on the pricing of SRECs, referring to New Jersey’s fast growing market with widespread residential and commercial adoption.
For the full list on the state’s progress visit RPS Progress: http://www.statestat.maryland.gov/GDUenergy.asp
We’ve come a long way! Next up, we’ll talk about what’s next in the Maryland clean energy future.
International solar: Sarnia PV Power Plant (Ontario)
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On October 4, 2010, Canada became home to the world’s largest solar power plant: Sarnia PV Power Plant in Ontari
o. Enbridge, Inc. and First Solar, Inc. constructed the facility, which will generate enough energy to power almost 13,000 homes; 1.3 million solar panels span 950 acres. The Ontario Power Authority is contracted for 20 years of power from Sarnia.
Enbridge noted that constructing the solar farm created more than 800 jobs for the economy. To keep the project as environmentally friendly as possible, no water was used during construction and minimal waste—including noise pollution—was created.
In December 2010, Enbridge and First Solar were honored by the Canadian Solar Industries Association where Sarnia PV power plant was named “Solar PV Project of the Year.”
Earth Day Round-Up
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You most likely knew that April 22nd was Earth Day but did you know that the month of April is “Earth Month”?
Many events were held all over Maryland (even one of our own!) where people celebrated green jobs, clean energy, organic gardening, recycling and much more. Here are a few highlights around town:
Elkridge Solar Firm Launches Nonprofit Coalition to Lobby for More Clean Energy
Solar Energy World became convinced that community activism would have to be part of their business strategy before their rooftop solar panels would gain wide acceptance. In short, they realized they had to first win the hearts and minds of voters if clean energy–principally solar, geothermal and wind–would garner the same tax incentives oil and coal companies received.
Read more about Solar Energy World and the launch of the Clean Energy Coalition>>
To learn more about the Clean Energy Coalition>>
Here is a clip from the press conference with Solar Energy World guests, Maryland Delegate James Malone and Jim Pierobon from the Maryland Clean Energy Center:
BWI Gets Eight Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Earth Day
Gov. Martin O’Malley celebrated Earth Day on Friday by announcing the installation of eight electric vehicle charging stations at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Read more about the BWI EV Charging Stations>>
All over Montgomery County Earth Day was being celebrated! – brought to you by Patch
Congressman Chris Van Hollen and professional artists from Montgomery County stressed the importance of art to young people and to the community as VisArts at Rockville hosted an awards ceremony for the 8th Congressional District Art Competition for High School Students on Tuesday.
A new community garden will give 50 families the chance to grow and harvest their own food. County Executive Isiah Leggett, as well as community and religious leaders, were on hand at the Emory Grove garden to break ground on Saturday..
Community Solar Gardens
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Last August, the nation’s first community solar garden was activated in El Jebel, Colorado. Three hundred forty solar panels collectively owned by local residents is the first of its kind and may spur similar innovative projects to launch.
Community solar gardens allow residents of condos, shaded homes, or those who want to reap the benefits of solar energy. Participants can take use solar energy without a large up-front investment. There are many policies surrounding community solar gardens that have to be considered with such an extensive project.
The land in El Jebel was otherwise unusable, making it the perfect site for solar panels. Clean Energy Collective (CEC) sold the parcels of solar to residents for as little as $725. CEC predicts a 67% increase of community solar energy in the next five years.
Would you participant in a community solar garden? What would the pros and cons be for you?
Can you truly get “off the grid?”
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If you are using traditional energy sources, you’re considered “on the grid,” meaning that you’re connected to a public utility service for energy resources. If you’re “off the grid,” you’re not reliant on those energy companies to create power for your home. Solar energy gives you the opportunity to move further off the grid and rely less on public utilities.
To be truly off the grid, your home would be completely independent of public utilities and would not be impacted by outages. You have the option to choose a system that will lessen your dependence in varying degrees. It should be noted that if power goes out – for safety reasons – your solar system will automatically shut off.
Solar energy can help America become more independent of international fossil fuels. Because solar energy is generated locally, once the initial installation is complete, there is minimal upkeep and you’ll be freed of the rising cost of public energy companies. Living off the grid can also trickle into other areas of your life; you learn to only use what you’re producing, and no more.
One of the greatest perks of solar energy is being energy independent and not relying on public utilities – or paying into them.
Springing into Solar
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There’s a reason why spring is the hot time for hiring in the alternative energy field – people are ready to invest in solar! While you’re planning your spring cleaning, consider adding solar panels to your to do list. Spring is a great time to optimize the extended daylight hours as the final spots of snow melt away and allow solar panels to absorb more light.
With systems that we design and install, there is very little maintenance. Photovoltaic solar systems are inherently very low-maintenance, requiring the system owner only to wash the solar modules down with water when they get dirty so light can get through. If you already own panels, spring is a good time to give them a quick spray to remove any dirt and debris left from winter.
Another exciting reason to welcome spring? President Obama has agreed to have solar panels installed on the White House this season, which officials anticipate will include 25-75 panels and will convert sunlight into 19,700 kilowatt hours of electricity a year. That would equal about $2,300 in saving per year for a residential home in Washington, D.C. Although the cost to outfit solar panels on the White House would cost approximately $100,000, that money would be earned back in just five years.
Ready to spring in to solar? Give us a call or fill out the Contact form!
European solar market trumps US but there is a bright spot.
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According to a report by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA), published March 10, 2011, the US solar energy industry had a banner year in 2010 and is a bight spot in the US economy as the fastest growing sector. In contrast to the US GDP growth of 2.8%, the US solar market grew 67% in value in 2010 (SEIA executive summary).
US demand growth was, however, outpaced by a global market boom driven primarily by Germany and Italy. It’s reported that the growth in Europe was due to the large government incentives available at the time. However, those incentives have since expired.
The US solar market grew from $3.6 billion in 2009 more than doubling in 2010.
It’s expected that the US opportunity to expand its share in 2011 while the global market slows down. The numbers of installations are likely to double in 2011 in the US. Much of the global PV industry is turning its eye to the US with great expectations.
In 2007, only four US states installed more than 10 megawatts of PV. Now, 16 states have accomplished that feat, notably Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Jersey installed more than 50 megawatts. In 2010, New Jersey more than double it’s installations, ranking the 2nd largest state for solar installations with more than 100 megawatts in a single year.
“This report shows that solar energy is now one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, creating new opportunities for both large and small businesses. Every day, Americans across the country are going to work at well-paying, stable jobs at solar companies, from small installers all the way up to Fortune 500 companies,” said Rhone Resch, SEIA president and CEO. “This remarkable growth puts the solar industry’s goal of powering 2 million homes annually by 2015 within reach. Achieving such amazing growth during the economic downturn shows that smart polices combined with American ingenuity adds up to a great return on investment for the public. The bottom line is that the solar energy industry is creating tens of thousands of new American jobs each year.”
While New Jersey has outpaced even California, Maryland isn’t even on the map.
Maryland was one of the first states to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2004. A solar “carve-out” was added in 2007, requiring that a percentage of the renewable portfolio standard must originate from in-state solar generated electricity; the percentage gradually ramps up to 2% by 2022. In April 2008 Governor Martin O’Malley signed Senate Bill 209, which accelerates the RPS to require that 20 percent of the state’s electricity supply come from renewable sources by 2022. In 2010, the Maryland legislature adopted provisions that further accelerated the RPS requirements in the early years (2011 through 2017), resulting in more residential and commercial solar installations during this period.
MDV-SEIA, the Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia chapter, is working on policy changes to fast track change, making it possible to hit the state requirements by 2022.
Overall, the state is at 27% of its 2022 goal.