solar energy

104/19/23 (c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat & Electric, www.solaromaha.com

Solar Energy Overviewfor NIFA

Presented byMichael Shonka

Solar EnergySolar Energy


GoalsGoals

By the end of this presentation you shouldbe able to;

understand the definitions for the three types of solar systems - air, water and electric,validate the cost effectiveness of solar and understand solar sufficiently for project ROI.


Renewable EnergiesRenewable Energies

Nebraska imports 99% of its energy

Hydropower (1% of Nebraska’s energy source)

Solar – 10th nationally

Wind – 3rd nationally

Biomass – methane recovery

Geothermal – mostly heat pumps


Types of Solar: Thermal and ElectricTypes of Solar: Thermal and Electric

Solar Thermal – Warm Air - hollow collectors Hot Water - copper absorbers

Solar Electric – silicon and polymers

Used in all markets – residential, commercial, and industrial


Solar Warm Air SystemsSolar Warm Air Systems

Best use: daytime space heatingSecondary: domestic hot waterCost: least expensive

Recommendations:One 4’x8’ collector for about 400 ft2 with short duct runs. Usually have a minimum of two collectors.


Solar Air – 5 Collectors, 3 ZonesSolar Air – 5 Collectors, 3 Zones

704/19/23

Solar Hot Water SystemsSolar Hot Water Systems

Best use: domestic hot waterSecondary: storage and space heatingCost: low to moderate

Recommendations:Minimum of two 4’x8’ collectors with 60-80 gallon tank for closed loop or drainback systems. Addmore for space heating.

(c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat & Electric, www.solaromaha.com


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1104/19/23

Solar Hot Water & Storage SystemSolar Hot Water & Storage System

(c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat & Electric, www.solaromaha.com


Solar Hot Water - CondosSolar Hot Water - Condos


Solar Hot Water - ApartmentsSolar Hot Water - Apartments


Solar Hot Water - HospitalSolar Hot Water - Hospital


Radiant Floor Layout – Solar HeatingRadiant Floor Layout – Solar Heating


Solar Electric SystemsSolar Electric Systems

Best use: lighting, electronics, remote applications, back-up power

Secondary: stand alone or utility intertie

Cost: moderate to high

Recommendations:Excellent for running other solar components (controller and either blower or pump). Very good for remote lighting and water pumping if power is cost prohibitive.


Residential Solar Electric SystemResidential Solar Electric System


4.8 kW grid tied solar electric system


How can solar be adopted more widely?How can solar be adopted more widely?

Drive consumer demand, awareness, solutions:

High gas prices help… especially natural gasSolar and energy conservation educationMuni and utility promotions; bond issuesState and federal tax credits – balances marketInvestment capital for projects with good ROIsFederal and private research fundsMove from centralized to decentralized systems

Evaluating a Project’s Solar PotentialEvaluating a Project’s Solar Potential

1. There has to be a demand for heat or electric in the building or manufacturing.

2. There has to be a sunny area facing south for the collector placement.

3. Check the numbers - compare the installation and credits to the savings.

04/19/23 20(c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat & Electric, www.solaromaha.com


Solar Tax CreditSolar Tax Credit

Residential•30% of solar hot water

•30% of solar electric

•Carry back one year, forward three years

•Applies to second homes also

•Usually breaks even in 5 years

Commercial•30% of solar installation - no limit to investment

•Carry back one year, forward three years, allows for third party leases, energy investors

•Very flexible financial tools•ROI up to 8%

Solar Evaluation and Installation ProcessSolar Evaluation and Installation Process

Solar application is studied – hot water (or electric)

- data collected on usage, utility rates, building, …

- calculate project cost and returns

Present project to building owner / investor for evaluation

Commission to proceed with design and financials

Contract between building owner and investor

- building owner purchases discounted energy

- investor installs, maintains system, receives credits

04/19/23 22(c) Michael Shonka, Solar Heat & Electric, www.solaromaha.com


Continued development of large scale, expensive and centralized systems – requires re-alignment of incentives

Increasing development of smaller scale, mixed investment and distributed systems using renewable technologies

Future TrendsFuture Trends


Solar and Renewable EnergiesSolar and Renewable Energies

For more information:

www.NebraskaSES.orgMichael Shonka www.NEO.ne.gov

402-590-5900 www.energy.IOWA.gov

[email protected] www.mccneb.edu/solar

www.solaromaha.com www.NREL.gov

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