Solar Energy

Tyler ClarkMitchell NearBecca Kenific

US Investment in Solar

• The Obama Administration has given billions of dollars to private solar companies

• Tax incentives exist on the state and federal level

• Some believe those subsidies aren’t enough• Compared to other countries, US investment

is minimal

NY Investment in Solar

• On June 22, 2011 the NY legislature passed the Power NY Act

• This modernizes licenses for clean energy• It also grants tax incentives for those using

renewable energy• Forcing the state to invest in solar energy is

designed to produce jobs• Solar power in NY has risen exponentially over

the last three years

Scientific Advancements• A small private company,

Twin Creeks Technologies, discovered how to produce silicon wafers at one-tenth of the thickness of high-end solar wafers

• Panels can be integrated onto technologically advanced roads

• This allows for broader access and deeper investment in our infrastructure

Solar Power Plants

• The NY has 1 major solar power plant• The plant, co-owned by BP Solar and Met Life, is 200

square acres• It can produce up to 32MW and is composed of 164,312

panels• It’s one of the largest in the nation and has the smallest

carbon footprint• Where NY lacks in number of plants it makes up with

private residential ownership• Residential ownership has risen sharply due to higher fossil

fuels costs

Energy Generated by Solar

• In the US, approximately .01% of our energy is generated by solar

• In terms of Megawatts(MW), NY is 8th in the US

• From 2007 to 2010, NY has more than tripled its output from 15MW to 55MW

• It is one of the fastest growing states for solar power

Advantages of Solar Energy

• Solar panels are cost efficient over their lifetime

• Can last up to 40 years• Very low maintenance costs• No carbon emissions or other air pollution• Does not contribute to acid rain, smog, and

global warming

Disadvantages of Solar Energy

• At an initially higher cost, solar panels turn off consumers

• Manufacturing and disposing panels have negative environmental impacts

• Adequate sunlight is required to obtain enough energy

• Cleaning of panels is necessary to gain maximum output