Design summary reader response draft 4

 The webpage “What are solar light panels and how do they work” from The Economic Times (2019) informs the readers of the functions, features, and application of solar light panels in our daily lives. Among its functions, the solar light panel can convert light energy into electrical or stored energy through the use of photovoltaic modules (PV), and the system can be either connected or not connected to the main power grid. In terms of features, the solar light panel system comprises “PV modules, electrical connections, mounting hardware, power conditioning equipment and batteries for storing the generated electricity”(The Economic Times, 2019). Solar light panels are tough, with the effectiveness only dropping one-two percent yearly and it also does not produce greenhouse gasses that may harm the environment. Besides that, PV cells come in different shapes and sizes. When they are placed together, they shape into PV modules which can form PV arrays of different power output and sizes depending on the user's needs and the amount of sunlight received. Among its applications, solar light panels can be applied in homes as well as powering traffic signs, street lights, water pumps, and communication satellites. It can also be used in different gadgets such as flashlights, torches, wrist watches, and calculators. All in all, there are many advantages as well as disadvantages to different kinds of solar systems (The Economic Times, 2019). Regardless of which solar system is chosen, the public should definitely tap into the power of solar light panels as the resources of solar energy are infinite. With the ability of achieving sustainable energy generation, Housing Development Board (HDBs) should work with Energy Market Authority (EMA) to install solar panels on windows in households due to their capabilities in cost reduction, energy generation, as well as being eco-friendly.

Pertaining to the reduction in costs, installing solar light panels on windows will reduce utility bills and electricity bills in the long run. On average, the usage of solar light panels is expected to save $1100 every year per household in the United States (How to Reduce Solar Panel Installation Costs, n.d.). This would not only be a way of cost reduction by converting infinite solar energy into usable electrical energy but it also acts as a great investment for the future. Research has also shown that the expected recuperation of costs would be 15 to 25 years depending on the size of solar light panels as well (Wait, 2021). Although solar panels have been rather costly in the past, technological advancements have enabled a reduction in the costs of designing and production (Liu, 2018). Therefore HDB can work with EMA to provide flat owners with cheaper installation costs to kick start their solar light panels journey.

Regarding energy generation, solar light panels on windows are optimal near geographical areas that are close to the equator. Due to the high radiation levels near the equator, Singapore is a prime location for the installation of solar light panels as it lies 70 miles from the equator (P Nyir, 2005). Solar energy is a renewable source and is accessible as long we have the sun. According to experts, the sun will provide us with enough energy to last for five billion years before it eventually dies (Vourvoulias, 2022). Hence, HDB should leverage more on the sustainable energy provided by the sun. With technological developments in quantum physics and nanotechnology, the effectiveness of solar light panels can be increased and double or triple the electrical output of solar power systems (Vourvoulias, 2022). Hence with HDB working with EMA, this will allow more flat owners to generate more sustainable energy and rely less on the power grid.

Moreover, solar light panels on windows produce solar energy which is one of the cleanest green energy that could make a huge impact on the environment when used widely. Solar energy is a form of renewable energy as it is an energy source that never runs out as compared to fossil fuels which are an infinite source of energy (The Renewable Energy Hub, 2022). Having solar panels can also help to reduce a household's carbon footprint by about 80% in just one year. There will be no emissions of greenhouse gasses and ultimately aiding the world in reducing global warming and rising sea levels. Therefore, with HDB working with EMA, more flat owners will be able to play a part in reducing carbon footprint through the use of solar light panels.

However, a main concern regarding the installation of solar light panels on windows is due to its lower conversion efficiency of about 5% (Williams, 2022). Despite that, researchers have been working with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on windows with solar panels built-in that can adapt to temperature changes and make energy conversion more effective in the future (Williams, 2022). They are also able to operate in as little as 10% sunlight with high level of efficiency, even when they are not placed at an optimal angle for the absorption of direct sunlight (Windows With Solar Panels Built In, 2022). This remarkable discovery is able to generate sustainable solar energy through window panels and thus making it convenient for home owners within HDB flats(Windows With Solar Panels Built In, 2022).

In a nutshell, solar light panels on windows are cost-efficient in the long run as it helps to generate a renewable source of energy. It is also effective in terms of energy generation due to Singapore being located near the equator. Furthermore, it is also eco-friendly as it does not emit greenhouse gasses that would harm the environment. Notedly, one obstacle that limits the installation of solar light panels on windows is due to its lower conversion efficiency at about 5%. Researchers have stated that they have been working to improve the solar panels that can adapt to temperature changes which would bring the effectiveness of energy conversion higher. This is promising to future homeowners as more people would want to install solar panels on windows which can generate more energy with the increased energy conversion rate. Therefore, I believe that HDB should work with EMA to encourage residents to install solar panels on windows, as well as to make the world a greener place.

References

Harmon Solar. (n.d.).How to reduce solar panel installation costs. . https://harmonsolar.com/how-to-reduce-solar-panel-installation-costs/

Liu, Z. (2018, January 1). What is the future of solar energy? Economic and policy barriers. Energy

Sources Part B: Economics, Planning & Policy, 13(3), 169-172.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15567249.2017.1416704

P Nyir. (2005). Sun Protection. CiteSeerX.

https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.597.2005&rep=rep1&type=pdf

The Renewable Energy Hub UK (2022). Why are Solar Panels Good for the Environment.

https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/solar-panels/why-are-solar-panels-good-for-the-environment/

Vourvoulias, A. (2022, August 30). Advantages & Disadvantages of Solar Energy. GreenMatch. https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/2014/08/5-advantages-and-5-disadvantages-of-solar-energy

Wait, R. (2021, October 9). How Solar Power Can Cut Your Bills And Your Carbon Footprint. Forbes. Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/energy/how-solar-power-can-cut-your-bills-and-your-carbon-footprint/

The Economic Times. (2019, May 1). What are solar light panels and how do they work. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/productline/power-generation/what-are-solar-light-panels-and-how-do-they-work/articleshow/69130408.cms

Williams, A. (2022, August 28). The Pros & Cons of Solar Windows. Utopia.org. https://utopia.org/guide/the-pros-cons-of-solar-windows/

The Renewable Energy Hub. (2022). Windows with Solar Panels Built https://www.renewableenergyhub.co.uk/main/solar-panels/windows-with-solar-panels-built-in/