My research will encompass a major innovation in the Rutland area that has occurred in the past few years. Solar energy in Rutland, Vermont has exploded, and Green Mountain Power, the local energy company, is striving to make Rutland the solar capital of New England by 2017. My research will focus on some of the science behind these panels and how they work. I will be working with a classmate to research the statistics involved in solar energy output, and we will be concluding on our findings. Solar energy has potential to be a major saver in energy bills and carbon emissions in the future. It is one of the key technologies that we need in order to continue to live the lifestyles that we enjoy. Therefore, it seems fitting to me to research these modern energy resources. I am pleased to be assisted by Dr. Alan Betts who specializes in atmospheric research, as well as the benefits of green energy. Over the summer, Alan began training us on solar panels and how they work. We spent a week at St. Michaels College learning about some of the data that we will be researching. And here, the journey begins...
Today, I did some basic preliminary research about the overall design of a solar cell and how they work. Howstuffworks.com does a great job breaking down the basic principles of a solar panel. Silicon is a major ingredient used in the production of solar panels. Different size panels can generate different amounts of energy. This energy is then stored in batteries, or it is sent back to the grid. Having a solar panel at one's home can actually be a profitable investment after it is paid for. Excess energy that is not used at the owner's home is sold back to the electric grid. The owner of the solar panel receives this money at the end of each billing period. In the state of Vermont, a Certificate of Public Good must be obtained to construct a solar array. However, the reward for doing so can provide reliable, clean energy for years. In a ten year period, a person with solar power can generate enough profit from their array to have thirty years of "free" energy. This means that after 10 years of buying electricity off of the grid, it is actually cheaper to install a solar setup at one's home. Just a couple thoughts to ponder. More to come...J
Today, I did some basic preliminary research about the overall design of a solar cell and how they work. Howstuffworks.com does a great job breaking down the basic principles of a solar panel. Silicon is a major ingredient used in the production of solar panels. Different size panels can generate different amounts of energy. This energy is then stored in batteries, or it is sent back to the grid. Having a solar panel at one's home can actually be a profitable investment after it is paid for. Excess energy that is not used at the owner's home is sold back to the electric grid. The owner of the solar panel receives this money at the end of each billing period. In the state of Vermont, a Certificate of Public Good must be obtained to construct a solar array. However, the reward for doing so can provide reliable, clean energy for years. In a ten year period, a person with solar power can generate enough profit from their array to have thirty years of "free" energy. This means that after 10 years of buying electricity off of the grid, it is actually cheaper to install a solar setup at one's home. Just a couple thoughts to ponder. More to come...J