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Archives: Solar Energy Facts

Earth Day, Every Day: Tips for treading lightly on the planet

 May 12, 2012 | Email this

SPWR_globe (Blogs)
Another Earth Month is behind us, and we hope April provided a good opportunity to incorporate some Earth-friendly habits into your routine. If you’re looking to do more, there are still lots of ways that you can continue to be kind to the planet, every single day. To keep the momentum going in the months ahead, consider helping out in the areas of Energy, Community and Transportation.





Broaden Your Energy Awareness & Spread the Word
Did you know that electricity generation is the single largest source of carbon emissions in the United States? It’s true. SunPower is working to change the way the world is powered. Here are a couple of ways you can help:

  • Kill-a-Watt Wherever You Can – Turn off the lights when you leave a room, and turn off power strips in your home when not in use. These tiny acts can save you money and have a bigger impact on your carbon footprint than you ever imagined.
  • Be a solar evangelist – Spread the word about the benefits of solar power to your friends and family. Refer them to www.sharesunpower.com. If they purchase or lease a SunPower system as a result, you both earn $200! It’s a win for you, them, and the planet.


Join (or Create) a Community
Find a nonprofit whose work inspires you. Consider the organizations listed below, with whom SunPower regularly collaborates. Or create your own.

  • GRID Alternatives empowers communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training
  • Global Green fosters a global shift toward a sustainable, secure future
  • Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties provides food to underserved residents
  • Greenpeace prioritizes global environmental campaigns to protect the oceans, whales and seafood, stop global warming, and eliminate the use of nuclear weapons and toxic chemicals


Transform Your Transportation
There are many ways to ensure that your morning and evening commute is environmentally friendly. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Drive electrified – Electric vehicles emit no pollutants from the tailpipe, so they’re cleaner for the environment. They also generally cost less to operate and maintain. Ford and Nissan have partnered with SunPower to maximize the miles and savings you get when charging your electric vehicle with a SunPower® rooftop solar energy system.
  • Dive into the (car)pool – According to a recent report in The Daily Green, sharing a ride with just one other coworker can cut the cost of your commute in half! Plus, you’ll dramatically reduce your carbon emissions, and may reduce your travel time by using HOV lanes!
  • Like your bike – Why use four wheels when two will do? May is Bike to Work Month, so pump up your bicycle tires, strap on your helmet, and take a kinder, gentler way to work. At SunPower, we take pride in our ride: We recently received the East Bay Bicycle Coalition’s Annual Bike Friendly Business Award, in the large business category.


We hope that reading these suggestions inspires you to come up with a few Earth-friendly ideas of your own. If so, please comment below! SunPower is eager to share the wisdom and innovation of our community…so check back frequently, and let us know how you’re changing the way your world is powered.

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Solar Is Creating American Jobs Today

by Howard Wenger,  February 22, 2012 | Email this

Solar is creating much-needed jobs today.

The 250-megawatt California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR) is one solar project under construction that is putting about 350 people to work. It has created opportunities to move off unemployment, and has allowed local electricians, carpenters and iron workers to remain close to their families rather than traveling away from home in search of work. I urge you to view this video featuring some of these individuals, and share it with friends, colleagues and family.



In addition to the jobs created by CVSR, the project is expected to:
  • Inject $315 million into the local economy in San Luis Obispo County, California
  • Generate enough clean, renewable power for about 100,000 homes
  • Protect and conserve more than 12,000 acres of land

The US solar industry is estimated to employ more than 100,000 people today. The number of solar jobs has grown steadily for several years, while other industries have reduced their numbers.

Solar works for America.

To join the conversation around solar job creation, comment below. 

Howard Wenger
Howard Wenger
President, Regions
San Jose, CA, United States
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Dispersed PV: The Antidote to Short-Term Power Variability

by Richard Perez,  December 16, 2011 | Email this

Variability of photovoltaic systems is an important and often misunderstood topic.  SunPower has been a pioneer and leader in efforts to better characterize variability and its impacts, and has helped develop a substantial body of work on the topic.  It has been consistently demonstrated that the variability of a single, relatively small PV system is much greater than that of many distributed PV systems – and that large, utility-scale PV systems demonstrate substantially lower variability than small systems in the same location.  The following article by guest blogger Richard Perez provides an excellent introduction to the topic.  
 
Owners of PV systems know first-hand that passing clouds cause rapid changes in the amount of energy produced from second to second. The impact of this short term power “variability” on system owners is usually seen rather than felt because during times of low production, electricity from the grid picks up the slack. This is good for PV system owners, but makes it difficult for grid operators, who are charged with providing reliable energy for their customers. 
 
One way for utilities to manage variability is to ramp up other power plants, but that increases the costs and complexity of managing the electric power distribution system. Fortunately, recent studies have found that renewable energy sources that are distributed across a wide geographic range greatly reduce the effects of weather-related variability to the overall electric system. This means that more “dispersed” residential and commercial PV is good for utilities. 
 
Electric grid operators became aware of the difficulty variability posed when information about short-term variability in a 3.5-megawatt plant in Springerville, Arizona was widely circulated in 2009. The analysis revealed frequent ramping up and down of the plant’s production as a result of passing clouds. This prompted utilities and agencies across the U.S. to ask themselves: “How would power fluctuations be handled if PV reached a sizeable fraction of power production?” The implication of the Springerville analysis was that short-term fluctuations in power production within a particular region are an obstacle to large-scale PV deployment. 
 
As a result of the Springerville analysis, the questions about short-term variability were taken up by the U.S. Department of Energy and the California Solar Initiative. Unsurprisingly, research confirmed that conditions can be highly variable at any given location. But on the positive side, research also revealed that spreading PV systems out over a larger area mitigates the problems of short-term variability. The truth of this finding is supported by the probability theory’s law of large numbers, and has been proven through recent studies. 
 
The following image illustrates this principle by showing how distance can “smooth” variability. The data in the top part of the figure shows 10-second solar radiation (irradiance) at a single location in Napa, California, on November 21, 2010. The data in the bottom half of the figure presents the same irradiance data, but measured at 25 locations in a 1.5 square mile grid rather than at a single location. The data in the bottom half of the figure is much smoother, without large short-term fluctuations.
 
Richard Perez Irradiance Data

A similar study in New York compared the variability of a single PV system versus a large number of systems deployed over a 25 square mile area. The study found that power output variability of PV systems distributed across a region is similar to the demand-side variability impacts that utilities have experienced for many years. Namely, that a single customer might be quite “noisy,” with local fluctuations caused by the starts and stops of systems and equipment, while the city-wide load experiences almost no short-term fluctuations. In the same way, the power fluctuations at a single PV system location can be substantial, but fluctuations decrease as the footprint of distributed systems increases. 
 
The efforts taken over the last few years to observe, understand and quantify the influence of space and time on PV energy production are making it easier for grid operators to manage short term variability.  These findings, and the introduction of tools to assess the impact of new PV systems on the overall electric grid, support the continued expansion of dispersed residential and commercial PV systems, and the ability for grid operators to get the most from their solar resources. 

For further reading:
Richard Perez co-authored the paper, "Solar Resource Variability: Myth and Fact," published in the September/October 2011 edition of Solar Today, with Tom Hoff, Founder and President, Research and Consulting at Clean Power Research. 

Richard Perez
Richard Perez
Senior Research Associate, University of Albany, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center
Albany, NY, United States
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Sticky Situations: Humidity is No Match for SunPower Panels

by Marty Neese,  December 05, 2011 | Email this

“Our SunPower solar energy system is everything our dealer said it would be, and is worth the investment.”
Trevor Ledet, Louisiana
 
If you live in certain areas of the world – the Gulf States of the U.S. or the Pacific Rim, for example – you know all about humidity. Just walking around on a moist, hot day can make you feel like you’re melting. Have you ever thought about what happens to your solar panels in high humidity?
 
The fact is that moisture (whether from humidity, rain, fog or snow) can corrode the internal metal components of conventional solar panels, severely compromising performance.
 
SunPower's reliable solar panels, however, feature our patented Maxeon solar cells, which use a thick coating of copper, topped with corrosion-resistant tin for consistent, long term solar system performance. 
 
How can we be sure? SunPower’s research and development team tests solar panels at three times the industry standard for moisture and humidity certification. In these tests, panels are subjected to 85% humidity at temperatures up to 185° F to ensure they will generate clean, renewable power for a full 25 years or more on your rooftop. Leading conventional panels begin to fail under these conditions, but SunPower panels continue to deliver power reliably.
 
Don’t just take our word for it, though. Here’s what two of our customers in Louisiana have to say about the real world conditions in which their SunPower solar power systems perform:
 
“Our SunPower 6.025-kilowatt solar system was installed in July 2010, and it has exceeded our expectations. We have a gas/electric home that uses about 14000+ kilowatts a year, and our system has reduced our use of grid-supplied electricity by 63%. That’s a reduction of 9000+ kilowatts in the first full year, well above the projected estimates guaranteed by our contractor, South Coast Solar.  

“I’d had concerns about wind, hail, and heat/humidity. In Southern Louisiana in the middle of summer, with 99° temperatures and consistent 90% humidity, walking outside is like walking through hot water. You wonder how anything could withstand that for 25 years! But so far, so good. Our system hasn’t missed a beat. The production levels have been the same both summers, and the panels seem to be handling the heat and moisture just fine. 

“We’ve also been through a few light hail events with no damage, and a Category 1 hurricane with no wind issues. Thus far the system is everything SunPower and our installer, South Coast Solar, said it would be, and I am very pleased. In fact, we were so happy with our system that both my in-laws and my brother purchased SunPower systems of similar sizes. Thanks again for this great product.”
Trevor Ledet, Louisiana
 
“We live in an 1880 New Orleans “Shotgun Camelback" house. New Orleans, like many places in the Gulf region, experiences high humidity year-round. For six months out of the year, the dew point is above 60 °F, and for three months of the year it's above 70°F. Most summer mornings, the relative humidity is above 80%.

“Maintaining a 130-year-old house like ours requires constant vigilance, because the high humidity here tends to promote mold and wood rot. At least we don't have to worry about our solar panels. We’ve had a 5-kilowatt SunPower system on our roof for 18 months. Thanks to our PV system and other efficiency upgrades, we’ve reduced our electricity and gas bills by 70%.

“Living in Hurricane Alley, we were actually more concerned about wind damaging panels than humidity. But the system has held up well, and we’ve been surprised at how flawlessly it has performed. The panels have produced about 10% more solar energy than they were originally rated for. The support has been great as well – in a year and a half, the only hiccup we've experienced was when a lightning storm tripped the fuse on the inverter, which our SunPower installer fixed within an hour.”
Z Smith, Louisiana
 
Want more details? Watch this new video about SunPower performance when things get sticky. Then join the conversation! 

Marty Neese
Marty Neese
Chief Operating Officer, SunPower Corporation
San Jose, CA, United States
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Solar Panel Reliability: Winter Weather is No Match for SunPower Panels

by Marty Neese,  November 21, 2011 | Email this

A reliable solar power system is one that will meet performance expectations for 25 years or more, hassle free. Not all solar is created equal, and some PV panels will stand up better than others against difficult weather conditions such as high humidity, drastic temperature changes, snow and wind. SunPower’s Research and Development team works hard to ensure that SunPower  solar panels are the most reliable in the market, delivering guaranteed performance.
 
With the end of the year upon us, we are kicking off a solar panel reliability blog series with a discussion about harsh winter weather conditions and solar energy systems.
 
Winter can bring howling winds, driving downpours and battering giant hail on your panels. In many regions, blankets of snow cover everything – including your solar panels. Like the third Little Pig in the children’s story, you shouldn’t have to worry about threatening conditions outside your door (or on your roof) if you’ve selected a high quality, built-to-last solar power system. The most reliable systems will continue to generate clean, renewable solar power regardless of weather conditions.
 
SunPower panels use quality materials and are designed for life in the real world. They are tested above and beyond industry standards to stand up to all manner of environmental stresses. Lower quality panels may easily crack or become damaged when the weather turns nasty, reducing power output. But, in side-by-side comparisons with competitors’ panels, SunPower high-efficiency solar panels continue to reliably perform despite degradation stresses. 
 
Our rigorous panel tests include simulating conditions that are far more brutal than panels would normally endure on your rooftop. In one test, we repeatedly apply 880 pounds of weight to the panels, the equivalent of 90 mph (145 kph) hurricane-force winds, to guarantee long-term performance, no matter where you live.
 
We’ve heard from several customers over the years, testifying to the reliability of their SunPower solar panels. Here are some samples:
 
“2011 was our second winter with our SunPower solar PV installation. And, it was a tough winter... lots of snow that came and stayed. But I was never concerned about the snow loads on the panels. Our installer, Ross Solar Group, designed a solid rectangular array of panels that took into consideration both weather conditions and aesthetic appeal, and minimized any possible problems with snow accumulation. As a result, the heavy snow did not damage our SunPower solar panels at all; I am very satisfied with the way they stood up. Our system looks good, I expect it to last a long time, and I love selling electricity back to Northeast Utilities!”
Tom Brown
Danbury, CT 
 
“When the sun comes up, the panels quickly shed the snow. Throughout the morning the snow melts and falls off of each panel; by lunchtime they’re producing at full capacity. We've never had any damage from the snow. In fact, the panels help protect our roof from damage, keeping it cool in the summer and dry in the winter.”
Matthew Grocoff, Esq.
Detroit, MI
 
Want to go solar, but worried about weather? Watch this video and see how we ensure SunPower panels are the most reliable in all conditions: 

Marty Neese
Marty Neese
Chief Operating Officer, SunPower Corporation
San Jose, CA, United States
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Nobody Does it Better: The SunPower Dealer Network

 October 14, 2011 | Email this

We know that choosing the right solar panel installer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in the process of going solar. You want the most reliable solar panels for your home installed by a company that will provide you with the highest level of service and workmanship. Yet, with demand for residential solar power systems at record levels and the number of solar panel installers increasing accordingly, it can be daunting to find the solar panel installer that’s right for you. 
 
To ease the solar panel installer selection process, SunPower has built a network of almost 2,000 locally-owned dealers around the world, including 400 in the US. All SunPower solar energy system installers in our network have been chosen for their commitment to customer service and quality workmanship, and are provided with regular training and evaluation to ensure they have up-to-date skills and knowledge. You can easily find a local solar installer by going online and searching the SunPower Dealer Network on our web site.
 
Benefits of working with a SunPower solar energy installer include the following:  
 
  • Extensively Trained: Solar technology is complex and requires skilled, trained professionals to ensure safe, optimized system performance.  Your solar dealer should be a licensed and insured contractor as well as a solar energy specialist trained specifically for home solar installation. SunPower is the only solar panel manufacturer with an ISPQ-Accredited Training Program, the international standard that ensures continuity, consistency and quality in the delivery of renewable energy training. Dealers pursuing SunPower certification in design and installation begin at the “Associate” level, then progress to “Advanced” and finally “Master” certification. Additionally, we inspect our solar panel installers’ work to ensure that the highest quality standards are upheld.
  • The SunPower Industry-Leading Warranty Coverage: When making a solar purchase decision, we encourage you to compare service and power warranties. SunPower provides a 10-year service warranty on materials and workmanship. In addition, we offer an industry leading, 25-year performance warranty, which ensures that your panels will produce up to 80% of their expected minimum peak power output, or SunPower will address the shortfall. Learn more on SunPower service and product warranties.
  • SunPower Solar Energy System Monitoring: Homeowners who opt for SunPower Monitoring Services can track their own energy production and overall environmental impact. SunPower provides monitoring services online or through an iPhone application. In addition, our solar energy installers can monitor the energy output of your solar energy system through our monitoring services, enabling them to receive an alert when a system isn’t meeting performance standards and address the problem quickly. 

Your local SunPower solar panel installer is your solar advocate, providing quality, timely installation and responsive service.  If you’d like to learn more about the SunPower Dealer Network, going solar or finding a solar energy installer, leave us a comment below or join the conversation on our Facebook page. 

 

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Reaching Grid Parity: The Hidden Value of Solar Power

by Richard Perez,  September 08, 2011 | Email this

Although most of us perceive solar to be more sustainable than conventional sources such as coal or gas, traditional analysis methods rarely consider the full value that solar generation provides. As a result, economically viable solar power generation that achieves apparent parity with conventional energy sources1  – commonly referred to as “grid parity” – can seem an elusive goal. By taking a closer look at all the economic benefits of solar generation, however, it’s clear that grid parity is within reach. 
 
Let’s start by looking at just one of the many hidden benefits of solar generation. Solar power generation often coincides with peak demand periods, providing substantial value by generating power when it’s needed most. Take for example the August 2003 blackout in the Northeast. Not surprisingly, demand for power peaked during the day when temperatures were at their warmest and air conditioners were working their hardest. Solar generation is ideally suited to mitigating these peak conditions as the sun fuels both the heat wave and solar power generation. In this case, as little as 500 MW of solar PV installations dispersed throughout the region could have averted the outage.
 
One reason PV value is largely unrecognized is that it is usually defined solely in terms of the investment return it provides the owner of a system. That leaves out the value solar generation provides to utilities and ratepayers who purchase power, as well as taxpayers who have contributed to the installation of new PV systems via incentives and to society in general. Recently, I undertook the task of analyzing  the value of solar power generation to all constituencies in a particular area – in this case New York State – and demonstrated that solar generation can indeed reach grid parity.
 
So what are these hidden benefits? For utilities and ratepayers, benefits come in the form of reduced costs associated with obtaining power, whether it’s from the wholesale market or through increased power generation capacity needed to meet peak demand. In addition, because PV systems can be spread across a distribution system, power loss through long-distance transmission and wear-and-tear of feeder equipment such as transformers is reduced. PV generation also can act as a price hedge to volatile commodity prices for electricity. 
 
Taxpayers and the society at large also realize tangible benefits. Solar generation improves grid security by reducing the chances of power outages. Going back to the 2003 Northeast blackout example, a $3 billion investment in PV could have prevented the outage, which is estimated to have cost $8 billion. Solar generation also benefits the environment and public health through reduced pollution, and it employs more people than conventional energy production, creating jobs.
 
As Figure 1 shows, by quantifying these benefits for the State of New York, we estimated the combined value of distributed solar generation to the state’s rate and taxpayers to be in the range of 15 to 41 cents per kWh. Since the unsubsidized cost of PV is in the order of 20 to 30 cents in New York, the effective grid parity gap is essentially bridged in this state, and likely in several others as well. This a fundamentally different conclusion than arrived at when applying the traditional grid parity definition without any context, comparing unsubsidized PV to least-cost (gas) generation at 6 to 8 cents/kWh – let alone coal at 4 cents per kWh – and showing a large apparent solar grid parity gap. 
 
Richard Perez Grid Parity
 
Understanding the full value of solar better equips us to support the growth of solar generation. We all stand to gain from a healthier, more sustainable world – economically, environmentally and in terms of energy security.


 
Richard Perez co-authored the paper, “Solar Power Generation in the U.S.: Too Expensive, or a Bargain ?” with Tom Hoff, Founder and President, Research and Consulting at Clean Power Research, and Ken Zweibel, GW Solar Institute, George Washington University. 
1Specifically, apparent grid parity is the point at which unsubsidized solar competes with the cost of new gas generation capacity, sold at wholesale. 

Richard Perez
Richard Perez
Senior Research Associate, University of Albany, Atmospheric Sciences Research Center
Albany, NY, United States
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Re-Broken Any Records Lately? We Have. Meet SunPower’s E20 Series Solar Panels.

 June 09, 2011 | Email this

(And read about them soon in the next edition of Guinness World Records…!)

For years, SunPower has focused research and development efforts on offering the most efficient solar cells and panels on the market. As a result, SunPower solar panels allow customers to take best advantage of limited roof or ground space to produce significantly more electricity, and reap significantly more savings. Do you think we’re satisfied?

Well… records are meant to be broken, even our own. We are proud to introduce the E20 Series of solar panels, SunPower’s newest record breaking solar technology, and a new industry benchmark. The new E20 Series sets a new standard for solar, achieving record panel efficiencies of 20 percent or more.

The efficiency of the E20 has been verified by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and none other than Guinness World Records! We’re very proud to receive our certification of the record from Guinness at a ceremony in Germany.

Following are some of the features of the E20 solar panel:

  • SunPower Maxeon™ solar cell technology. Our revolutionary patented, all-back contact, 22.4 percent efficient SunPower Maxeon solar cell technology currently holds its own world record in efficiency for mass-produced cells. As a result, SunPower solar panels deliver up to 50 percent more energy than conventional panels.
  • Anti-reflective coating to increase sunlight absorption. E20 panels capture more light to further maximize solar power generated.
  • Full compatibility with the most efficient inverters. Inverters convert direct current (DC) electricity from a solar system into alternating current (AC). E20 panels can be used with inverters that require transformers, which are common in North America, as well as the more efficient transformer-less inverters that are now popular in Europe.

What does all this mean to our prospective customers? The key value proposition of the E20, as well as our existing E19 and E18 solar panels, is to generate the greatest energy savings for our customers. The E20 Series is available in Europe and Australia this year, and will come to North America and Asia in early 2012.

Check out this video about SunPower E20 Solar Panel.

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A Benefit of Solar Ownership: The Federal Investment Tax Credit

 April 14, 2011 | Email this

 With Tax Day looming, let’s talk about one of the key benefits of owning a residential solar system: the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).  The Federal ITC for residential solar systems is an integral way for owners to lower the overall cost of the system and increase return on investment. In exchange for purchasing a qualifying residential solar system and making a commitment to renewable energy, homeowners can receive a tax credit against their federal tax liability.

When considering solar purchase options, it’s important to realize the Federal ITC can only be claimed by the owner of the solar system. Homeowners who engage in solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) cannot claim the federal tax credit. In these instances, the credit goes to the leasing company, who may or may not pass it along to the owner via lower prices or additional services.

The Federal Solar ITC is calculated as 30% of qualifying costs, and SunPower has certified that our solar panels meet the criteria for qualifying solar property eligible for the Solar ITC.  In addition, many US states offer incentives that further reduce the cost of ownership of residential solar systems. The Federal credit was extended through 2016, whereas state benefits can and will expire at different times.

While SunPower certifies that our solar panels meet the definition of qualifying solar property, we cannot warranty a specific individual tax result or outcome.  The information provided above is for informational purposes only, and you should consult your individual tax advisor to determine how the Federal Solar ITC might benefit you given your individual facts and circumstances.

Want more information?
These qualified sources can provide more information about the ITC and other financial benefits (federal, state or municipal) associated with a solar purchase:

  • Solar Energy Industry Association. As the national trade association for the solar energy industry, SEIA strives to educate the public on solar benefits and issues. Here’s a link to the SEIA page on the Federal ITC: http://www.seia.org/cs/federal_issues/solar_investment_tax_credit
  • The Internal Revenue Service. The IRS website contains several resources about residential solar investment tax credits and other benefits associated with energy efficiency investments. Start with this ‘Tax Tip’: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=237190,00.html
  •  Local tax professionals. Tax professionals can provide in-depth guidance on residential solar purchases and Federal ITC eligibility. They are a great resource for any customer planning to purchase solar or other energy efficiency products.


 

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SunPower Solar Panel Efficiency: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

 August 04, 2010 | Email this

In this final installment of our solar panel efficiency series, Dr. Richard Swanson, Founder, President and Chief Technical Officer, SunPower, takes us through the history of solar panel efficiency and what direction it will take in the future.

As Dr. Swanson wraps up this efficiency series, we will explore SunPower’s past and peek into what the future has in store for SunPower and solar panel efficiency. After all, SunPower announced last month it had established the new world record at 24.2% solar cell efficiency: http://bit.ly/anEdic.

Among the areas discussed are the maximum possible efficiency level of a silicon solar cell and SunPower’s current focus on lowering the production costs of high-efficiency cells.

If you crave more solar discussions about SunPower, or would like to learn more about solar panel efficiency, join the conversation on our Facebook community at www.facebook.com/sunpower.

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Solar Panel Efficiency and Your System Costs

 July 20, 2010 | Email this

Dr. Richard Swanson, Founder, President and Chief Technical Officer, SunPower, shares details about efficiency and system costs in part two of our solar panel efficiency video series

This week’s blog post is the second installment of our three-part series with solar expert Dr. Richard Swanson.

In this installment Dr. Swanson explains why solar panel efficiency is such an important variable when calculating ROI and the total cost of a solar installation.

As Dr. Swanson explains:

"Efficiency is probably the single most important number in determining the cost of the electricity you get from the solar system."

So please take a minute and learn about the "very dramatic effects" of efficiency, and why SunPower continually strives to improve solar panel efficiency.

In the final installment of this series next week, Dr. Swanson will walk you through SunPower’s history of solar cell efficiency and where it is headed in the future. If you crave more solar discussions, but just cannot wait a week, join our Facebook community at www.facebook.com/sunpower.



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Solar Panel Efficiency Explained: An Interview with Dr. Richard Swanson, Founder, President and Chief Technical Officer, SunPower

 July 09, 2010 | Email this

Over the years we have found that while more and more people understand that solar energy is a great alternative to fossil fuels, many are still in the dark, so to speak, about solar cell efficiency.

In the following three part video blog series Dr. Richard Swanson, Founder, President and Chief Technical Officer of SunPower, shares some of his solar expertise and discusses the importance of solar panel efficiency. Dr. Swanson is a true solar energy pioneer who developed one of the first high efficiency photovoltaic solar cells to start SunPower 25 years ago.

In this first installment, Dr. Swanson explains solar cell efficiency and how higher efficiency solar panels benefit home owners. In clearing up the questions ‘what is solar cell efficiency and is there a limit to solar efficiency?,’ Dr. Swanson provides the following insight:

"Energy and sunlight are hitting your house in abundance. What we’re trying to do is to take the energy that is in the sunlight and convert it to electrical energy you can use to power your refrigerator and your lights, things like that" If you could turn all of the energy from the sunlight hitting your solar panels into electrical energy, the efficiency ratio would be 100 percent. But you can’t get that much out. The best efficiency you could ever get is 30 percent. SunPower is trying to improve the solar cell to reach that theoretical maximum efficiency of 30 percent. Where does the other 70 percent go? It turns into heat."

Additionally, Dr. Swanson explains how higher efficiency solar panels benefit home owners:

"After accounting for trees, pipes, etc. the typical house has a much smaller amount of useable roof area [for a solar system] than you might think. From that small region, you want to get enough energy to run your whole house " and that requires highly efficient solar cells."

We hope that the interview, filmed at SunPower’s very own Richmond, CA facility, will put you on the path to solar illumination. Let us know if you found this video helpful and what other solar panel efficiency questions you have!

Next week, Dr. Swanson will explain why solar panel efficiency is so important in calculating ROI and the total cost of a solar installation. If you crave some more solar discussion before then, join our community on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sunpower.

Enjoy!

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Where is the Best Place for Solar?

 June 03, 2010 | Email this

When asked this question many people imagine the barren sands of the Kalahari or Death Valley. At the very least, the average person thinks of a bungalow in San Diego, California; or a sundrenched beach condo in Miami. While it is true that places where the sun shines the most are fantastic locations for solar power generation, what if you were told that damp and cloudy England, or chilly Germany were also possible climate zones for solar installations with SunPower panels? The fact is, with current solar technology the opportunity to harness solar energy is available to people in places where a sunny day is a luxury.

In a recent Facebook poll, we asked our fans if they thought solar power only worked in sunny places like California. Fortunately, the majority responded “no,” yet this myth still exists.
 
SunPower has made it possible for people to take advantage of the sun’s energy and reduce their carbon footprint by providing high efficiency solar panels that generate up to 50 percent more power than conventional panels in climates as varied as Arizona, Germany and England. In fact, studies by the universities of Loughborough in the UK and Stuttgart in Germany as well as Arizona State have hailed SunPower as being the best for their respective climates.

SunPower solar energy systems capture more light and convert it into more energy in cold, hot weather and low-light conditions. This means, SunPower makes solar an attractive option wherever you are. 

Howard Wenger

Nowhere is this more true than right in SunPower’s very own backyard of San Francisco, California. As many an underdressed tourist has found out, the temperatures and sunlight conditions can change within minutes in the Bay Area. Nonetheless, Bay Area cities such as San Francisco are some of the national leaders in adopting solar technology. A stunning example of how efficient SunPower’s technology works is the California Academy of Sciences (CAS), which uses solar energy on its state-of-the-art living rooftop with the help of SunPower. Check out the video below to learn how CAS is harnessing all the energy it can from the sun.


While everyone in the world cannot have the luxury of a winter in sunny Palm Springs, just about everyone can enjoy solar power. And in fog, frost and sun SunPower is still the most efficient  there is no better provider of solar energy than SunPower!
 
Tell us about your experience with solar energy. Do you have a SunPower system? Are you considering purchasing one? Are you concerned about the weather being appropriate for solar installation? Leave us a comment here or share your thoughts on our Facebook page. 
 
 

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Solar Energy Facts ,Solar Basics ,SunPower Products and Services ,About SunPower
Tags:
california academy of sciences , commercial solar , Going Green , renewable energy , residential solar , solar roi , science , solar , solar cost , solar panels , solar power , SunPower , sustainable , Tech Museum , solar technology
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