White Papers

Speed of change – $1 billion failed solar farm

• • Fast pace of change – Crescent Dunes failed example

Current technology used for solar farms

• • Photovoltaic vs Concentrated Solar
  • Solar Thermal

Evolving solar farm technology

• • Floating farms
  • Multi-land use farms

Conclusion

• • Wrap up
  • EER Institute call-to-action

Several models used to integrate solar energy into low and median income communities

• • Carevouts – set-asides for low and medium income families
  • Incentives – tax breaks and rebates
  • Programs – comprehensive, designed specifically to integrate solar into low-income communities

What impact has Community Solar and Community Solar Policies had on communities?

• • Increased adoption of alternative energy
  • Decrease in utility bills
  • Economic impact – increased job opportunities

What legal and political obstacles do Community Solar Policies face?

• • Lack of access to tax-supported incentives
  • State and federal regulations
  • Energy lobbyists
  • Onerous securities regulations of community solar entities.
  • Lease models (subscription vs ownership shares)

Conclusion

• • Wrap up
  • EER Institute call-to-action

How batteries are used in a solar energy system

• • Grid-tied system with battery backup
  • Grid-interactive system with battery backup

Pros and cons of common types of solar storage technology

• • Lead-acid: PROS –less costly, rechargeable, greater storage capacity / CON – shorter lifespan, diminishing recharge capacity.
  • Lithium-ion: PROS – longer lifespan, less degradation / CON – far more expensive than lead-acid

Recent breakthroughs in solar battery technology

• • Cheaper, cost-effective aluminum D-HVPE technology for solar cells
  • Ultra-efficient solar-flow batteries
  • Solid-state batteries as a longer-lasting alternative

Conclusion

• • Wrap up
  • EER Institute call-to-action

The rise of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in renewable energy

• • World-wide, AI and ML are being incorporated into more business operations.
  • In the power and energy sector, AI & MI are utilized to predict usage patterns, track carbon emissions, and to implement more precise billing.
  • Big data processed vi AI and MI allow for accurate whether predictions, power balancing, and efficiency calibration

5 Examples of AI & MI software being used in renewable energy

1. 1. Xcel – analyzes big data weather reports to make accurate predictions about energy generation.
   2. Predix – developed by General Electric uses AI to analyze and monitor system health and predict potential system failure.
   3. PowerScout – uses industry data and AI to demonstrate potential savings on power costs to consumers.
   4. Nextracker – Produce solar energy tracking and monitoring systems to maximize the amount of solar energy harvested.
   5. Krypton – makes it easier for renewable energy O&M companies to analyze big data to make better decisions about system optimization. (Acquired by Splunk in 2018).

Benefits of improved renewable energy monitoring and testing systems

• • Improved safety and reliability
  • Expanded market for renewable
  • Smarter grids and energy distribution

Conclusion

• • Wrap up
  • EER Institute call-to-action

Solar energy’s impact on employment

• • Carbon emissions continue to have a negative impact on climate change
  • The race to control carbon emissions has created an international boom in renewable energy
  • As of 2018, the solar industry employs twice as many workers as the coal industry
  • Break-down of highest rates of hire within the industry by job title / sector

Social impacts of solar energy’s growth

• • Improve health
  • Greater economic freedom
  • Increased job opportunities
  • Exposure to advancing technologies

The economic / environmental impact of solar energy

• • Emphasis on using local land, labor, and resources
  • Local economy is enhanced by direct reinvestment

Conclusion

• • Wrap up
  • EER Institute call-to-action