Residential Solar Power in Tucson
Project description
Residential Solar Power in Tucson
Arizona has an abundance of sunshine. Therefore, power generated from solar energy offers an enticing alternative to power generated from nonrenewable sources. Review Incentives for Solar Panel Installation (https://www.tep.com/Renewable/Home/PV/) at the Tucson Electric Power (TEP) Company website. The TEP site has a PV Calculator (http://www.pvsim.com/tep.html), which can be used to evaluate solar power for residential use in Tucson. Use the PV Calculator (http://www.pvsim.com/tep.html) to evaluate solar offsets of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, assuming an average monthly usage of 1,000 kilowatt-hours. Note the “PV Size kW”, “Net Cost”, “Total Savings”, “Lifetime Emissions Savings (lbs.)” and “Gallons of Water Saved” for each. When you use the calculator, look carefully at the Assumptions (you may have to scroll down to the bottom of the TEP Savings Details to see the button that links to the Assumptions).
For those who wish to use solar energy, but prefer not to install solar panels on their home, TEP offers the Bright Tucson Community Solar Program (https://www.tep.com/Renewable/Home/Bright/), which gives customers the opportunity to purchase solar power in “blocks”. Carefully read the explanation about what you receive when you purchase “blocks”. For further clarification, read the FAQs. Watch the 13-second time-lapse video called “Amonix Solar Power Plant Installation – UA TechPark”. The site has a link to Calculate Solar Power (http://www.pvsim.com/tepcommunity.html), which can be used to determine the cost of purchasing “blocks” and the impact on the environment. Assuming an average monthly usage of 1,000-kilowatt hours, use the Solar Calculator (http://www.pvsim.com/tepcommunity.html) to evaluate solar “blocks”. Consider using 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% solar. Note the “Solar Blocks Needed”, “Total Year End Premium”, “Lifetime Emissions Savings” and “Gallons of Water Saved” for each. Carefully review the Assumptions so that you understand the costs and benefits of the program.
You will need to write a Decision:
Answer the following question in a discussion post. If you were 25 years old, had a good paying engineering job, owned your first home in Tucson and used an average of 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, would you:
Purchase electricity in the traditional manner from TEP?
Install solar panels? If so, what size PV would you purchase (in kW)?
Purchase “blocks” of solar power? If so, how many 150 kWh per month “blocks” would you purchase?
Use another strategy?
Be sure to consider the environmental as well as the economic factors. Think critically about these factors.
In 250 words or less, state your answer to the above question and include your rationale.
If you were 25 years old, had a good paying engineering job, owned your first home in Tucson and used an average of 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, would you:
Purchase electricity in the traditional manner from TEP?
Install solar panels? If so, what size PV would you purchase (in kW)?
Purchase “blocks” of solar power? If so, how many 150 kWh per month “blocks” would you purchase?
Use another strategy?
Be sure to consider the environmental as well as the economic factors.
In 250 words or less, state your answer to the above question and include your rationale.
Be sure to follow the Guidelines for Short Question Answers (I will upload it in instruction part [OR] download it from here https://www.sendspace.com/file/ags6oo). Your comments must be original and respectful.