Introduction to the Solar Market – 1 Hour General CE

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This module introduces policy, markets and solar products. Topics include:

  1. Introduction and History of Solar Power
    1. First viable solar cell
    2. Bell Labs commercial introduction
    3. Current market factors and resultant synergy
    4. Policy dictates results vs. available resource
  2. Panel Types and Efficiencies
    1. Silicon crystalline panels (80% of market)
    2. Thin film (20% of market)
    3. Layered (Space only for now)
    4. Efficiencies vs. cost
    5. Warranty and track records
  1. Panel Manufacturing
    1. US Innovation, but little manufacturing left
    2. Asia Manufacturing, over 40%
    3. China & Taiwan highest rate of production
    4. Supply and demand, cost reduction
    5. $/Watt conversion and rules of thumb
    6. Recent cost reduction and future trends
  2. Solar Insolation as a Site Resource
    1. World Insolation / US insolation
    2. Solar noon, 1000 Watts/m2
    3. Atmospheric effects, altitude and humidity
    4. Solar trackers and their effectiveness
    5. Magnetic declination, panel placement orientation
    6. True south vs. magnetic south
  3. Renewable Portfolio Standards
    1. Effective implementation
    2. State comparison of results
    3. Future lobby and individual efforts
  4. Feed-in Tariffs
    1. Why they drive installations and manufacturing
    2. European proven success
      1. Germany
      2. Spain
    3. Can the US compete?
      1. Obstacles to overcome
      2. Lobby efforts
    4. Franchise Utility Law (3 min)
      1. Legal monopoly
      2. Working with Purchase Power Agreements
      3. State and local efforts
    5. Licensure, Certificate and Certifications (6 min)
      1. State PV Licensure
        1. 14 States including Florida have requirements
      2. Certificates vs. Certifications
        1. Difference between the two and importance
      3. North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
        1. NABCEP Certification Program
      4. Underwriters Laboratory (UL)
        1. UL Certified Installer
      5. True Cost of Oil! (5 min)
        1. EPA considerations
        2. Conventional power generation only 30-40% efficient
        3. Remote locations and line loss efficiency
        4. Environmental Impact
          1. Gulf Spill and consequences
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