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Isn't Solar Power In Cleveland an "Oxymoron"???

Are Solar Technologies Viable in Northerly, Cooler Climates?

February 21, 2006

Q: I live in southwest Michigan and am interested in PV solar and solar water heating. But considering the sun only shines practically half of the year in this northerly state, how viable are either option for me as a homeowner. Should I look into wind power instead? Doug S, Battle Creek, MI

A: Doug, -- There is an erroneous view that solar energy only works in the so-called sunbelt states, like Arizona and Florida. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, hundreds of thousands of solar electric and thermal systems are installed in the North Central and New England States in the USA and Canada.

According to Dr. Subhendu Guha, President of United Solar Ovonic (link), a photovoltaics manufacturer in Michigan, "a key to the success of USO is its unique technology which permits the modules to produce power even in overcast and snowy conditions. Under the relatively low-light wintertime conditions in Northern states such as Michigan. independent tests show that the UNI-SOLAR triple junction modules produce more electricity per rated power than products made with conventional technology." Small wind systems can add an extra measure of security (and economics) either alone or as a hybrid with a photovoltaics/battery system, according to Andy Kruse, Vice President of Southwest Windpower.

Aside from Canada, ambitious solar thermal and electric programs in England and Germany also prove, that solar works anywhere there is sunshine. David Renne of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory calculates, "the annual average solar resource in Miami (FL) is 4.8 kw-h/m2/day, and in Muskegon (MI) is 3.8 kwh-m2-day. Thus, to get the same energy from a rooftop in Muskegon, you would need approximately 25% larger solar panel (or, 250 m2 rather than 200 m2). This would be for the annual average, at latitude tilt.

There are no technical barriers, and high electric and natural gas rates coupled with lower reliability in Northern States make the solar thermal and electric options quite viable. As always, make sure you select an experienced installer who offers SRCC-rated solar thermal systems and UL-rated components for solar electric (photovoltaics) systems, and have the prerequisite local or national training.

Scott

This question was answered by national solar expert Scott Sklar.
From: http://www.renewableenergyaccess.com/rea/news/section?id=SKLAR

Please "click here" for some links to houses that have installed some of the Uni-Solar Ovonic solar shingles:

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