Photovoltaics

Costs:
Typically, solar energy is measured in price per watt peak (wp). We translate these costs into per kwh because it takes into account solar conditions. Today we have seen the average price of solar electicity become 30 cents per kwh. These rates will vary in relation to local electricity tariff rates. In table 1 you will see the price per wp from 2001 to 2009. These costs have dropped every year over the past 8 and we can assume this trend to continue in the future.
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Table 1
Photovolaic's Reputation:
Companies who use photovoltaic energy throughout their buildings are showing to their customers and the public that they are a environmentally friendly company. By using renewable energy, they are saving the earth from dangerous gases and toxic wastes. PV energy is a clean, renewable energy that is maintenance free and easy to manage.
 

Advantages:
 
- Pollution Free
 - Highest Power density among renuable energies
 - Easy to manage wastes
 - Low operating costs
 - Little Maintenance
 - Infrastructure not needed
 - No harmful emission


Referenced Websites:
http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/PV/features.html

http://www.solarbuzz.com/Moduleprices.htm

http://www.solarbuzz.com/statsCosts.htm






 

Solar Thermal

Costs:
Solar thermal is one of the most cost-effective energy systems.
Solar thermal water heating systems collect the sun's energy in the form of thermal or heat energy. The system can save a major portion of your utility bill. A solar thermal water heating system can pay for itself in three years or less. Typically, these cost under $5,000, and can reduce your monthly hot water heating bill between 50 - 100%.
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Solar Thermal Reputation:

Current Companies using solar thermal panels to help save electricity costs include Sunoco Car Wash's in Canada. These businesses now pre-heat its water using 40 unglazed solar collectors - each one 120" x 50". The unglazed solar panels are similar to those used to heat residential pools. Unglazed collectors are basically plastic mats with no cover and no insulated back. They offer higher efficiency in warm calm conditions. The savings will be substantial, and even though Sunoco expects to reach a financial breakeven point in approximately 10 years. Economic reasons are not the only motivation of the stakeholders as they want to let off less toxins into the air.

Referenced Websites:
http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar-thermal/casestudy1.aspx

http://www.thesolarguide.com/solar-thermal/