In today’s world where environmental consciousness is at the forefront, the conversation around solar usage is more pertinent than ever. Solar panels for your home have become a popular choice for clean, renewable energy, prompting an increased interest in understanding the differences between large-scale and small-scale solar installations.
In a recent study at the University of Western Ontario, findings showed that small-scale solar systems, the type frequently used in solar array for home setups, were actually more environmentally friendly than their large-scale counterparts. As someone who has always positioned myself as a firm advocate for the use of solar panels for your home, these findings provide solid validation.
Solar energy is becoming more and more dominant in the U.S and Canada markets thanks to its low cost of new-build electricity, truly setting a new standard for solar companies. Ernst & Young’s energy and resources report unveiled that solar energy’s levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) is 29% lower than the cheapest fossil fuel alternative. This, in my personal opinion, is a remarkable testament to the power and potential that lies with solar.
However, it’s not just about cost savings, but also about harnessing this power to achieve our clean energy goals. As the study reveals, we’d need to use only 1% of Canada’s agricultural land for large-scale solar farms to offset all fossil fuels for electricity generation. Yet, the question remains: Are a few large solar farms the better choice, environmentally speaking, or should we invest our resources in smaller, rooftop solar systems?
According to the lifecycle analysis by Riya Roy and Joshua M. Pearce, rooftop solar systems emerged as the clear winner. Their research, which spanned from production to decommission, demonstrated that rooftop solar systems require between 21% to 54% less input energy, produce 18% to 59% less carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gas emissions, and consume between 1% to 12% less water per kilowatt-peak.
The key takeaway here? The energy payback time of rooftop solar systems can be about 51% to 57% lower than ground-mounted solar systems. This doesn’t even take into account the fact that rooftop systems also reduce the need for large-scale solar equipment like racking or trackers, and they’re generally closer to transmission lines.
But as important as these findings about rooftop solar systems are, we need to recognize the reality of our situation. We simply don’t have enough rooftops to fulfill our electrification needs, especially considering heating and transportation. This is why we need a mix of both large-scale and small-scale solar installations.
Essentially, this is a clarion call for solar companies to work towards finding the balance between small-scale and large-scale installations. The future of our environment may very well depend on it. As the conversation around solar power continues to evolve, I am committed to sharing my insights and expertise on the development and progress of this game-changing industry. Let’s usher in a solar revolution, together.
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/12/small-scale-solar-best-for-environment-but-agrivoltaics-may-be-the-answer/
