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We welcome youto a conversation about the Future of Solar Energy

Team Sunshine

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Sara Yackey

PhilWentworth

BeccaZeman

The Conversation• What is Solar Energy?• Why the Mystery?• Global Initiatives• Economics• Opportunities for the future:• Things to consider and possible challenges• Why not Solar

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What is Solar Energy

• Solar – from the sun• Energy – the force used to move something• Considered an “Alternative Energy” as

opposed to Fossil Fuels

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Why the mystery?????• Solar energy was created when the sun was• Life is fueled by the Sun• Fossil fuels were created through solar energy• It seems so obvious, and yet so complicated

So……

A futurist perspective

6Source - http://seekingalpha.com/article/306468-the-real-issue-with-solar-energy-isn-t-its-cost

Insert kurzweil’s video here

Interesting Facts• Did you know?• One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, • A sunny location receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight

per day each year.• A cloudy location receives 2.5 hours per day of sunlight each

year.• A solar energy system can provide electricity 24 hours a day

Source: http://www.solarbuzz.com/going-solar/using/quick-facts

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Globally• Germany is leading the European nations

– Incentives for companies to develop and consumers to implement

• In Far-East Asia: Japan and China are industry leaders.– Japan - New Sunshine Project– China - Technology has grown exponentially.

8http://www.renewableenergyworld.com

Economics - $100 Billion Industry Worldwide*

• In the US the impact of the Solyndra Bankruptcy on the heels of significant government loans has lead to a PR nightmare for the industry

• Technology has continued to evolve, developing methods and machinery to reduce the expense of implementation and to reduce the cost to consumers.

• Average cost currently ~$3/Watt, economists estimate a drop to $1.45/Watt by 2020, and $1/Watt by 2025

• Private investor funding is crucial due to world wide economic crisis.

9http://www.renewableenergyworld.com

Increase cost of fossil fuels

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Fossil Fuels…need we say more

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Opportunities for the future

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Source:http://seekingalpha.com/article/306468-the-real-issue-with-solar-energy-isn-t-its-cost

Population growth will force the need for alternative energyIncrease Cost in Fossil Fuels and decreased cost of solar energy

Population growth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc4HxPxNrZ0&feature=player_embedded

Video Here

Population Growth

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Efficiency

Impact of NanotechnologySAVES MONEY!

• Reduces manufacturing costs

• Reduces installation costs

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Environmental ImpactsGO GREEN

• Positives:– Conserves non-renewable

energy sources– Facilities are better for the

environment than fossil fuel facilities

• Negatives:– Possibility of chemical spills– Construction of facilities will

create pollutant materials17

Land Use• Large solar farms require

a large amount of land• Impact to existing

structures• Impact to surrounding

agriculture– SAS’s solar farm is

surrounded by sheep• Eyesore

MAJOR LAND REQUIREMENTS

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Impact on Aviation• Glare from solar panels can

cause issues of military and general aviation aircraft

PILOTS MUST WATCH OUT FOR BLINDING GLARE!

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Complimentary Energy Sources

WORKING TOGETHER!• Wind – wind in the

winter, sun in the summer

• Biomass• Water

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Solar Energy in 2025

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• Globally, solar will be primary• Minimum 50% of the world’s power could be

provided by solar energy• Population growth• Maturity of technology• Decreased costs of materials

??????Questions???????

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Solar Energy In 2025….Are you ready?