Solar power: prospects and concerns for sustainable development

Prospective studies generally evaluate the contribution of solar energy to the world energy mix in the
range of hundreds of Mtoe. Considering the actual mature solar technologies, this figure leads to a
potential of hundreds of solar power plants at the horizon 2020. Development of such a programme
requires RD&D to reduce costs and elaborate new systems. It requires also incentives to favour the
initial market penetration in a context of low prices of energy. Along with some other technologies, solar
power has the potential to mitigate the CO2 problem and therefore appears as a competitor in the
international environment protection system. Several economic tools are available or under discussion
to help financing the 'incremental cost' of development projects in developing countries which are less
emitting than current practices. The concept of 'activities implemented jointly' can foster the
partnerships for both climate and development, and finally give support to solar energy. As a non
polluting and long lasting technology, solar thermal power appears as a potential contributor to
sustainable development. Nevertheless, in the context of hard competition for financing priorities, it has
to prove that it is really good for economic development and that developing countries can afford it.
The problems in solar building integrated development
Energy conservation for building on the use of solar energy has been the attention all over the world.
However, the process of building integrated solar energy, went through three stages: passive accept era,
simple addition era and building integrated era. There are flaws on the solar energy light heat
technology development and application, it reflects on the design, construction and solar energy
product itself. These flaws can be compensated if the solar energy and the building integration energy-
saving construction projects can be treated as the key link during the life cycle ,cooperating with the
project participants , can reach the goal of the solar energy and the building integration

Sizing solar home systems for optimal development impact
The paper compares the development impact of three different sized solar home systems (SHS) (10, 40
and 80Wp) installed in rural East Timor. It describes research aimed to determine whether the higher
cost of the larger systems was justified by additional household benefits. To assess the development
impact of these different sizes of SHS the research used a combination of participatory and quantitative
tools. Participatory exercises were conducted with seventy-seven small groups of SHS users in twenty-
four rural communities and supplemented with a household survey of 195 SHS users. The combined
results of these evaluation processes enabled the three sizes of SHS to be compared for two types of
benefits-those associated with carrying out important household tasks and attributes of SHS which were
advantageous compared to the use of non-electric lighting sources. The research findings showed that
the small, 10Wp SHS provided much of the development impact of the larger systems. It suggests three
significant implications for the design of SHS programs in contexts such as East Timor: provide more
small systems rather than fewer large ones; provide lighting in the kitchen wherever possible; and
carefully match SHS operating costs to the incomes of rural users.
Renewable energy applications for developing countries and in Singapore for the twenty first century
Summary form only given. Singapore is a country with no natural resources. Singapore's power stations
are fueled by imported oil and gas; its water is supplied by neighboring countries; its fuels for air, road
and sea transportation are imported though refined at Singapore's refineries; and the bulk of its food is
imported. Singapore is blessed with up to eleven months of good sunlight for at least six hours a day,
yet, Singapore till now, has not taken advantage of this renewable energy resource. Within twenty
years, Singapore will most likely be transformed with applications of renewable energy for its buildings
and infrastructure as well as alternate fuel for vehicles for transportation. With the introduction of
automation techniques in the assembly of solar panels, and the projected six percent reduction in the
cost of photovoltaic cells, the mass production of solar tiles for facades of buildings and roofing tiles, the
introduction of solar air conditioners as well as the application of heat pumps and EIB and Profibus
technologies in buildings, it is envisaged that some Singaporean architects and engineers with creativity
will be able to design a new breed of buildings that are totally environmentally friendly and intelligent
A method of estimating monthly global radiation for Singapore
The design of solar systems and the determination of cooling and heating load of buildings require
information on global radiation in addition to other meteorological data. In this study, equations have
been developed for the clearness index KT, which is the ratio of monthly average daily values of global
radiation to that of extraterrestrial radiation on a horizontal surface, as a function of the ratio of
monthly average daily values of sunshine hours and day length. The extraterrestrial radiation and the
day length can be calculated. The sunshine hours can be obtained from the meteorological station of
Singapore. A reasonable estimate of monthly average daily global radiation can be obtained from these
equations
Singapore's climate change policy and carbon emissions
Singapore's National Climate Change Strategy after giving increasing attention to the issue from AD
2005, Singapore's government released the National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) in AD 2008.
National Environmental Authority (NEA) and the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (MEWR).
Singapore calls for responsible action to tackle the threat of climate change, including efforts at climate
mitigation. Cutting emissions, and the lowest common denominator' assessment is that global emissions
need to be cut by fifty percent from AD 1990 levels by AD 2050, hence can avoid catastrophic climate
change. This is consistent with Singapore's position in international climate change negotiations as a
'Non-Annex I country, which puts it in the developing country category along with countries such as
Indonesia, Vietnam and Kenya. At present, Singapore has obligation to reduce emission. Government
policies aim to promote new sources of GDP growth by developing 'clean energy' industries and
encouraging business under the Clean Development Mechanism (COM) of the Kyoto Protocol. A carbon
intensity and carbon emission plays a role. Carbon tackle has to be reduced. The problem is that, over
the same period, actual emissions have nearly doubled. The International Energy Agency reports 43,130
kilo tonnes; The Energy Information Administration (EIA), part the U.S. Department of Energy, reports
141,100 kilo tonnes. Emission percentage is more when compared to other countries. Vehicle
percentage of Singapore is more, hence emission produced by those vehicles are more. In order to
reduce this emission instead of diesel fuel for vehicles they can use oil fuel. Hence emission will be
reduced and climate mitigation is reduced somewhat than before. Electricity generation accounts for
about half of Singapore's emissions. Nonfossil fuel can be used as well as renewable energy resource can
also be used. Singapore's national greenhouse gas inventory, the emissions from air transport are clearly
going into the atmosphere. Oil refining and related petrochemicals development is another industry
long encouraged by government policy, and one that continues to be courted. Oil refining is a significant
producer of greenhouse gases dominating Singapore's industrial sector emissions. Singapore's emissions
are only a small fraction of the global total 0.2% of global emissions to use the official figure, somewhat
more if we include bunker fuels. Singapore's contribution is so small. However, Singapore's emissions
arguably do matter, and not just because of their contribution, even if small, to rising concentrations in
the atmosphere. Singapore in any way a major player responsible for the fate of the world's climate.
However, climate change is a global problem and there should be some obligation on all of us to ask
whether we are doing what we can to help mitigate it.
Effects of solar photovoltaic panels on roof heat transfer
Indirect benefits of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems for building insulation are quantified through
measurements and modeling. Measurements of the thermal conditions throughout a roof profile on a
building partially covered by solar photovoltaic (PV) panels were conducted in San Diego, California.
Thermal infrared imagery on a clear April day demonstrated that daytime ceiling temperatures under
the PV arrays were up to 2.5K cooler than under the exposed roof. Heat flux modeling showed a
significant reduction in daytime roof heat flux under the PV array. At night the conditions reversed and
the ceiling under the PV arrays was warmer than for the exposed roof indicating insulating properties of
PV. Simulations showed no benefit (but also no disadvantage) of the PV covered roof for the annual
heating load, but a 5.9kWhm-2 (or 38%) reduction in annual cooling load. The reduced daily variability in
rooftop surface temperature under the PV array reduces thermal stresses on the roof and leads to
energy savings and/or human comfort benefits especially for rooftop PV on older warehouse buildings.
2011 Elsevier Ltd.
Measured performance of building integrated photovoltaic panels
The photovoltaic industry is experiencing rapid growth. Industry analysts project that photovoltaic sales
will increase from their current $1.5 billion level to over $27 billion by 2020, representing an average
growth rate of 25%. (Cook et. al. 2000)[1]. To date, the vast majority of sales have been for navigational
signals, call boxes, telecommunication centers, consumer products, off-grid electrification projects, and
small grid-interactive residential rooftop applications. Building integrated photovoltaics, the integration
of photovoltaic cells into one or more of the exterior surfaces of the building envelope, represents a
small but growing photovoltaic application. In order for building owners, designers, and architects to
make informed economic decisions regarding the use of building integrated photovoltaics, accurate
predictive tools and performance data are needed. A building integrated photovoltaic test bed has been
constructed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology to provide the performance data
needed for model validation. The facility incorporates four identical pairs of building integrated
photovoltaic panels constructed using single-crystalline, polycrystalline, silicon film, and amorphous
silicon photovoltaic cells. One panel of each identical pair is installed with thermal insulation attached to
its rear surface. The second paired panel is installed without thermal insulation. This experimental
configuration yields results that quantify the effect of elevated cell temperature on the panels'
performance for different cell technologies. This paper presents the first set of experimental results
from this facility. Comparisons are made between the electrical performance of the insulated and non-
insulated panels for each of the four cell technologies. The monthly and overall conversion efficiencies
for each cell technology are presented and the seasonal performance variations discussed. Daily
efficiencies are presented for a selected month. Finally, plots of the power output and panel
temperatures are presented and discussed for the single-crystalline and amorphous silicon panels
Singapore Energy Conference 2006
(http://portal.igpublish.com.libproxy1.nus.edu.sg/iglibrary/iviewer/ISEASB0000058/userkey/pc/1/0/
read.html)
Energy is a key enabler of economic development. Its use has been steadily growing among developed
and developing countries, increasing pressure on oil producing countries to increase and maintain a
sustained supply. Also, supply bottlenecks and finite fuel resources against rising demands can result in
higher prices with severe consequences on economic growth. This could unduly affect those developing
economies least able to absorb rising costs. The use of energy is also strongly associated with rising
greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere. Thus, the current global energy direction is not
sustainable. To help mitigate these risks, governments must adopt effective policies to enhance energy
security that includes energy efficiency, viable and effective conservation measures, diversification of
sources, and the development of renewable sources of energy.
Climate change is one of the most important global environmental concerns. The Stern Review released
by the U.K. Government highlights the severe economic costs of failure to mitigate global warming.
There can be no real energy security unless there is a clear understanding of the negative effects of
climate change. A comprehensive climate and energy security plan should include climate change
mitigation measures.
Strategic storage, cooperative storage agreements and public/ private coordination can help to ensure
open markets. Strategic reserves also build capacities in internal distribution and create security of oil
supplies that would, for a limited period of time, help maintain industrial and economic activities during
crisis, while the cumulative engagement of political, diplomatic, economic and military instruments of
the state are deployed for the restoration of the affected supply chains. A regional approach to build
strategic oil reserves can mitigate unforeseen crisis and thwart sudden vulnerabilities, either nature-
induced or human induced disruptions. Finally, the globalized nature of energy markets, rising oil and
gas prices, and concerns over sufficiency of future supplies can significantly impact national economies
and global partnerships. Multilateral dialogue and cooperation is essential in achieving energy security
as governments have a crucial role in creating the appropriate market mechanisms and financial
frameworks for energy investments, and by specifying clear legal and contractual mechanisms.
Five Key Action Areas
First is the diversification of energy sources. Today, about 80 per cent of Singapores electricity is
generated by gas imported from Indonesia and Malaysia. To ensure that we are not over-reliant on
piped natural gas for our energy needs, we will pursue the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet
future demand for energy. The establishment of an LNG terminal will allow us to obtain gas supplies
from more sources in the region and beyond.
Second is the long-term development of new energy sources. Due to geography and our physical
limitations, geothermal, hydro, wind and tidal sources are not viable at present. Solar energy is feasible
but not cost-effective as compared to conventional fuels even at todays oil prices. Nevertheless,
cheaper and more efficient ways of harnessing solar, wind and other renewable sources are shortening
the lead time for new products to become commercially viable. Environmental-conscious consumers
also appear willing to pay a slight premium for green electricity. We will continue to keep a close eye
on developments and encourage the testing and trials of new technologies in these areas.
The third action area is in energy efficiency. Improving the efficiency in how we use energy will translate
into tangible cost-savings and contribute to environmental sustainability. Programmes like the Energy
Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme to help support the cost of energy audits and Green Vehicle
Rebates for hybrid vehicles are already in place. Going forward, areas to further improve energy
efficiency include key sectors such as buildings, industry and transport.
The fourth area is industry development as there are tremendous opportunities in the energy sector.
Singapore is already the third largest oil trading and refining hub. There is private sector interest in
alternative energy as well. The Economic Development Board (EDB) has secured commitments from
worldleading companies such as SolarWorld, Conergy and Vestas to set up operations in Singapore.
Several Singapore-based companies have also formed the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Group
under IE Singapores International Partners programme to look into emission-reduction technologies.
Drawing on our strengths in R&D, there will be opportunities to develop exportable solutions in the
energy sector.
Impetus for change
PV would not contribute to global carbon emissions, compared to 1.02 kg CO 2/kWh for coal, 0.76 kg CO
2/kWh for oil and 0.5 kg CO 2/kWh for natural gas. He argued that PV-generated power is competitive
with peak power prices and estimated that cost of PV-generated power for Singapore is ~ S$0.5/kWh
and up to 35 per cent of Singapores total electricity demand may be provided by PV installations. In
calculating this figure, Dr Rabi assumed: (a) built-up area in Singapore exceeds 260 sq km; (b)
conservative estimate for 100 sq km of roof and some faade space for PV installation; (c) 10 GW of
peak capacity to be generated annually; and (d) compared to the 2005 Singapores electricity
consumption of ~ 34761 GWh, up to 35 per cent of electricity can be generated by PV. Dr Rabi
concluded that he was keen for Singapore to deploy PV for solar applications and this would be another
growth area that Singapore can look into for energy security, industry development, and the solar
industry as a provider of jobs and technologies for export.
Mr Satpathy highlighted the fact that companies were unwilling to invest in renewable energies due to
the high start-up costs and that government policies had to be enacted to increase the uptake of
renewable energies. Mr Rasmussen added that most renewable energy installations in the world were
subsidized. He believed that price incentives had to be put in place so as to create a suitable
environment for businesses to take initiatives in. Government policies to support research and
development as well as deployment of renewable energy are thus required to bring costs down and
make solar energy economically viable
Singapore awards S$15M to eight solar energy research teams. (2009). Clean
Technology Insight, Retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com/docview/196646357?accountid=13876
Singapore has awarded a total of S$15 million to eight research teams to develop solar energy devices
as part of its clean energy program, the country's Economic Development Board said.
Look at this guys, TK useful for ur part too ->
http://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/industries/industries/alternative-energy.html