The Likelihood of Homeowners to Implement CIGS Thin Film Solar CellsBy: Steven Leone

First, Lets Talk Aboutthis Energy Crisis

World consumption of primary energy by energy type in terawatts (TW), 1965-2005.[142]

Source: United States Energy Information Administration.

Cont.

Today's world is powered by fossil fuels. Basically the buried decaying, pressurized goop left behind from countless animals is burned so we can have energy.

The emissions from this fuel are harmful to the planet, we cannot reuse it, and, its use is outdated and unimaginative.

During the Industrial Revolution, the high energy density of fossil fuels was what allowed humans to become modern. Now that we are modernized, lets act like it.

As of right now, we posses the technology and infrastructure to convert this entire planet over to Wind, Water and Solar (WWS) installations (Jacobson and Dellucchi). *

Energy Policy

Two Stanford University scientists wrote a two part paper :

Within these pages they have outlined a solution to our energy crisis through the use of current WWS technology.

“Barriers to the plan are primarily social and political, not technological or economic. The energy cost in a WWS world should be similar to that today.” (Jacobson and Dellucchi)

Solution to

Energy

Crisis

Alright, but how does it affect me?

Cost of Oil

What is a CIGS Solar Cell?

CIGS is an abbreviation for Copper Indium Gallium Selenium.

Normal solar cells use silicon which is the same substance that computer chips are made of. This makes them very expensive and fragile.

The exotic elements used in CIGS solar cells allow them to be thinner, flexible and more efficient than conventional crystalline silicon cells.

The best part about CIGS solar cells is the potential for them to be printed cheaply in mass quantities.

Here’s how it works! http://www.popsci.com/popsci/flat/bown/2007/green/item_59.html

My Research

I see the value in sustaining this planet on all fronts. I also see the value of carefully taking it one step at a time,. This is what prompted my research into a potential alternative energy source.

CIGS Solar cells are one small step in the right direction because they will be inexpensive.

The driving force behind anything today is profit, so if there is a cheap alternative to oil or coal for energy, once the target markets are properly informed, there will be potential to profit from it.

My goal was to gain some insight into the current social climate and personal attitudes of homeowners in order to gauge the likelihood of implementation.

Cont.

The bulk of my primary research took the form of a survey, my secondary sources were scholarly journals and articles.

The survey was prefaced with a short paragraph of information regarding the technology. This was meant to make sure the respondent understood the content of the survey.

Only 98 of the 115 people surveyed offered viable results for they read the information prior to the survey.

Results

What is your combined annual household income?

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

How is your home currently heated?

Are you satisfied with the amount of money you are spending on energycosts?

How important is the fact that a solar installation will increase the resale value of your home to your likelihood to implement the

technology.

Thin film solar cells will cost significantly less than, and will offer an energy payback that will be half as long as conventional solar

installations. Does this information positively influence your likelihood to implement the technology? If so how much?

Thin film solar cells currently cost about 30 cents per kwhbut have significantly higher efficiency than rigid silicon cells that

cost $3 per kwh. Coal costs $1 per kwh. With this information, do you think that thin film solar cells would be a good investment

for your home? Why or why not?

“yes. I would love to go to alternative energy sources, but so far the estimate I was given for solar was $50,000. I don't have that disposable income.”

“I bet that they would be a great investment, but I don't have the money for the initial investment. This is one of those "rich get richer, poor get poorer" situations - alternative energy isn't available to people within my income level (at least to my knowledge)”

“Yes. I think they would be a great value. I have always been interested in alternative energy for the reduction of utility bills, however, the start up costs and time for payback have not yet been beneficial for us to invest. Another factor is the large panels currently on the market. A thinner, lower cost higher efficiency, energy saving solar option is extremely intriguing.”

The majority of the responses to this question were affirmative answers, and the only issues people seemed to have were :

Not in an area with sunlight

Needed more information

Extremely tight with money

Once the technology is available to the public, how likely would you be to contact the

company for an estimate of your home?

Discussion

Based on my research once this technology is perfected and has a stronghold in the mainstream market, about half of the people I surveyed would be very interested in having an estimate in there home regarding thin film solar cells.

It seems that the only factors preventing the other respondents from being in favor of the technology is the slight uncertainty associated with a company still in its infancy. Also, people seem to be hesitant about the cost.

The applications are endless