Probably not all
buildings could benefit from the solar systems installed like Hefei Grand
Theatre, which is discussed in the previous blog.
Initially, solar
energy is said to be mostly abundant in tropical and sub-tropical regions,
which is located between 50 degree south and north to equator. With latitude of
31 degree, the city of Hefei could fortunately gain abundant solar energy,
which could be harnessed to meet the requirement of building. On contrary, it
should be quite difficult for areas closer to the poles to receive sufficient
and regular solar energy, like Scandinavia and Russia.
Moreover, the usual
efficiency of solar system itself might not as efficient as expected. The three
main types of solar panels frequently specified for use on building currently
are Monocrystalline silicon, polycrystalline silicon and building integrated
photovoltaics. Nevertheless, those panels are actually with very low
efficiency. As is mentioned in recent researches, the maximum proportion of
solar energy that could be transformed into electrical energy by such a panel
is 22%. This could merely be achieved by monocrystalline silicon, which is of
high cost and mainly applied on roofs. The other two solar panels could be a
little bit cheaper, but their efficiency is even considerably low, around 10%
to 12%. In consequence, solar systems could not be used as a sole source of
energy. Other auxiliary tools, such as fossil fuels, have to assistant in some
cases.
Monocrystalline silicon
polycrystalline silicon
Photovoltaics
It is still fortunate
that Hefei Grand Theatre usually holds events in the evening. That is to say,
most of the solar energy absorbed by its solar system is only applied at night.
However, the amount of energy required by buildings with other functions might
be double or more.
Last but not least,
one of the most crucial obstacles for the spread of solar system is the cost,
especially the cost of installation. Wherever the system is installed, at home
or in solar farm, the capital costs are high. Furthermore, the installation of
solar panels may cause large upfront fees. It requires clients effectively
agree to pay, in advance, for the next few decades’ worth of power. That could
be why even Suntech Power Holdings, once the world’s biggest solar panel maker,
is having a hard time.
The Chinese government
is offering considerable subsidies to encourage the construction of green
architecture, but the subsidies are nothing new to the world. For instance, in
2012, the UK economy tripled its investment subsidies in green energy stating
that spending on renewable energy generation will rise to 7.5 billion UKP per
year until 2020.
In the future, the
solar energy as a so-called “clean-energy” source should be undoubtedly
encouraged in architectural practice, but it might not be applicable or
desirable everywhere. It’s luck for Hefei Grand Theatre to be an example of
when and where solar power could work.
https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/downloads-englisch/pdf-files-englisch/photovoltaics-report-slides.pdf
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