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Commercial Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Energy Systems as a Public Relations Event
Introduction
Design
Building Integration
System Sizing
Commercial Sites
Cost
Incentives
Uninterrupted Power Supply
Commercial Sites
PV systems belong on businesses and organizations wanting to increase their appeal to the environmentally concerned customer. Ideal system hosts include: high-end malls, retail stores, green industries, high-tech firms, churches, luxury condominiums, and apartments.
Businesses interested in entering the renewable energy market are also
excellent hosts for PV systems. A PV system on interested
businesses can be great training for staff and an excellent
marketing tool. Potential PV system host businesses include
engineering firms, architects, electric utility offices, home
improvement stores, and electricians.
Large firms including BP Amoco, Patagonia, BJ's Wholesale Club are already using PV on their buildings and in their marketing activities.
CostA standard PV system that is connected to the electricity utility grid (and thereby does not need a battery backup system) costs about $8,000 per kW (kilowatt) of capacity.
Building integrated systems can cost significantly more than standard-building components—for example, a custom-made PV window. However if the PV panels replace an expensive building component, the system’s cost can be significantly less than $8,000/kW, even negative. For example, a polished stone façade can cost more than a PV facade. In this situation, switching to a PV façade would reduce building costs.
Remember, it is the up-front cost of a PV system that is high. The fuel— sunlight—is free. PV systems should operate for 40 years or more without significant operation or maintenance costs.
Photograph 3. PV Church
Photo creditsPhoto 3 New Technology and Industrial Development Organization, Japan
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