Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting: Sustainable Solution

Transcription

1 This continuing education program is sponsored and provided to you due to the professional courtesy of: Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting: Sustainable Solution Sol Inc SW 42 nd Ave. Palm City, FL Phone: international Toll Free: Web: AIA-SOL261-W The material contained in this continuing education program belongs to Sol Inc.. Questions or concerns about the program content need to be addressed with the program instructor.

2 Promotional Statement Slide This course has been design as a structured asynchronous program therefore has been formatted for online use only. Please don t forget to print your AIA/CES Certificate of Completion. Successful completion is scoring 80% or higher on your final exam. If you wish to print later you can access all certificates from you re A-F transcript center. The American Institute of Architects Course No. SOL261-W; LUs This program qualifies for HSW. Architect-Forum is a registered provider with The American Institute Of Architects Continuing Education Systems. Credit earned on completion of this program will be reported to CES Records for AIA members. Certificates Of Completion for non-aia members available on request. This program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA.of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation. Remember if you are an AIA member Architect-Forum will report credits to the AIA CES on your behalf.

3 Course Description This program will provide design professionals an in depth explanation of solar outdoor lighting. Solar lighting can be an effective way to cut down on the over all energy foot print and provide a brighter and safer way for pedestrians. The use of solar lighting helps bring down the energy usage thus reducing the growing source of CO2 emissions in the US. This type of system can create a more reliable and energy efficient environment. The design professional will also learn about the controls needed to make a more cost effective lighting solution that will meet the requirements to earn LEED points in a project.

4 Learning Objectives At the end of this program, participants will gain a basic understanding of solar outdoor lighting technology, and how solar lighting can help create a smaller energy foot print. How to increase pedestrian safety through the use of solar lighting. Utilizing solar power lights to cut down the overall CO2 emissions and creating a healthier environment. Participants will be able to specify solar outdoor lighting systems for energy efficiency and reliability

5 Learning Objectives cont. Professionals will be able to determine that solar outdoor lighting meets requirements for several LEED points Participants will learn that solar powered light controls assure a more cost effective and safer lighting solution.

6 Agenda 1. Making the case 2. History of Solar Lighting 3. How the technology Works 4. Applications 5. Specifications & LEED 6. Economic & Environment Benefits 7. Closing Thoughts

7 1. Making the Case

8 Solar Outdoor Lighting, defined Solar Outdoor Lighting: independent of the electrical grid, operates by collecting and storing electricity generated via photovoltaic conversion for use in lighting No connection to the electricity grid Designed for nighttime illumination Each unit is autonomous

9 The Opportunity 2011 Energy & Environment Consumer Study cites solar energy has reached a point where the vast majority of consumers view the concept in a positive light. Pike Research 2011 Research Report Buildings are the fastest growing source of CO2 emissions in the U.S. US Department of Energy, Energy Information Agency Market research indicates that over the next 10 years demand for electricity will increase by 18 percent, whereas generation capacity will grow only 6 percent. Source: Frost and Sullivan

10 Economic Goals of Solar Lighting The long term goal must be to deploy renewable and energy saving technology less expensively than traditional systems. 1. Install outdoor lighting that costs less 2. Avoid unnecessary site infrastructure 3. No electricity bills

11 Environmental Goals of Solar Lighting The long term goal is to design and construct buildings that do not need more energy over their entire life than they produce. 1. Energy Independence: use off grid sources 2. Conserve grid energy 3. Use sustainable lighting systems, such as solar 4. Help lead the way toward carbon neutrality Consider how the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 can impact outdoor lighting and the use of solar energy at the same time

12 Reasons Owners Select Solar Lighting Economic Cost of electrical infrastructure conduit, wire, power distribution etc. offset a solar light Eliminates power bill Safety & Performance No brown outs/black outs Distributed light, no single point of failure Emergency Lighting Environmental No CO2 emitted for lighting Powered by renewable energy No disruption of environmentally sensitive areas with trenching and wiring

13 Reasons To Select Solar Lighting Marketing Clear evidence of a commitment to the environment Brands the site green Hiring & Employee Retention Employees are seeking companies that focus on sustainable practices Recent Conference Board Report states: 78% of multinational companies surveyed described corporate citizenship, including good environmental practices as very or extremely important in recruiting and retention

14 2. History of Solar Lighting

15 History of Solar and Solar Lighting Greeks and Romans used the energy of the sun for heating, concentrating to make fire, etc French scientist Edmond Becquerel discovers the photovoltaic (PV) effect where electricity is generated due to light 1876 Willoughby Smith discovered photoconductivity of selenium 1954 David Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson develop the silicon PV cell at bell labs the birth of PV. Silicon cell achieved 4% efficiency

16 History of Solar and Solar Lighting 1958 Vanguard I space satellite used a small solar array to power its radios. Explorer III, Vanguard II and Sputnik-3 were also launched in 1958 with PV chargers 1970 s Dr. Elliot Berman with Exxon design a less costly solar cell (from $100/W to $20/W). Solar cells begin to power navigation lights on gas wells and railroads

17 Current State of Solar Lighting Power Advances of solar cell efficiency, commercially available PV modules have reached efficiency of 20%, further advances have been announced. Light Solar outdoor lights have migrated from compact fluorescent lamps to LED & induction fluorescent sources for improved efficacy, lifetime and controllability.

18 3. How the Technology Works

19 Solar Light Cycle PV Module converts photos to electricity Light turns off Charging Begins Charge controller regulates battery charging Controller & Light draw power from the battery Charging stops Light turns On

20 Key Components PV Module(s) Support Structure Energy Storage Controller/ Intelligence (interior) Luminaire Pole

21 Luminaires Wide variety of options Solar Luminaires are crafted for optimum efficiency Low voltage (12 to 24 VDC input) LED or Induction developed for solar applications provide illumination with minimum power draw Luminaires that produce the highest lumen/watt performance (delivered) is generally preferred Typical off-grid luminaire maximum power draw is between 15 and 50W

22 Luminaires Solar Luminaire must be paired with appropriate solar controller for compatibility A variety of finishes and colors Type I, II, III, IV, V available Equivalencies to on-grid lights are highly application dependent, range from 50 to 250W of traditional sources Cooper Industries

23 Structure & Assembly Specification Solar modules can be mounted: Top of Pole Side of Pole Remotely Wrapped on Pole Battery Enclosure: Top of Pole Side of Pole Bottom of Pole Below Grade Top of Pole Mount Critical: bears the wind load Remote Battery/Panel Side of Pole Mount

24 PV Module Specifications Technology: Mono or Poly Crystalline Structure converts photons to electrons Anodized Aluminum Frame Tempered glass for hail and debris protection 15-20% Efficiency Low Voltage output ~17.6 VDC Typical power ratings W Large arrays configured from multiple smaller modules Warranty 20 or more years Installation: Frame & rail mount system Agency Approvals: UL, CE, VDE, ETL etc.

25 Thin Film Solar Specifications Amorphous or Thin Film Flexible shape Efficiency: 8 10% (requires 2x surface area for same power as a polycrystalline) Warranty: Less than 10 years Costs: ~3x Polycrystalline cost per Watt Applications: Pole Wrap, Shelter Roof

26 Battery Specifications Deep cycle: sealed Valve Regulated Lead Acid Batteries (AGM Absorbed Glass Mat or Gel - Gel Cell) Advantages of VRLA Batteries: Recover from deep discharge Ideal for daily cycling use Tolerant to temperature variation Resistant to damage from vibration Recyclable Extended Battery Life Lifetime is dependent of Depth of Discharge Typically 1,900 to 2,200 cycles (4-6 years) Maintenance free: no watering Agency approvals: UL (recognized), CE, ETL

27 Battery Specifications (continued) Typical battery capacity is 80 to 120AH at 12V and a 20 hour rate Non-spillable, and therefore can be operated in virtually any position. Parallel installation increases storage capacity Series installation increases system the same capacity Note: solar lighting batteries are not a car battery; more robust construction

28 Solar Charger Specifications Regulates battery charging (flow of electrons from the PV panel to the battery) Regulates the flow of electricity from the battery within limits (too much discharge & over charging shorten battery life) Selected for maximum PV charging and lighting load power draw some feature Maximum Power Point Tracking Thermal compensation adjusts the battery charging; essential for VRLA batteries May have agency approvals: ETL, UL, CE

29 Lamp Controller/LED Driver Specifications Controller regulates the brightness of the light source Adaptive dimming and energymanagement control. Define a combination of lighting levels and operating times Aggressive control strategies reduce PV and battery demand making systems more cost effective Integrates motion sensors, switches and wireless controls in some configurations

30 Poles Solar Modules, Battery Enclosure and Luminaire lead to higher than typical effective projected area Philips Hanover Lantern Wind loading due the EPA demands higher pole ratings than a normal street light/parking lot Solar light & pole system must be engineered for the specific wind zone of installation Solar light manufacturers will often supply a pole

31 4. Applications for Solar Lighting

32 Expanding Applications Original thinking Lighting of last resort Use solar lights where the need is most remote: Military bases Roadways in 3 rd world countries Current thinking Commercial lighting Use solar lights in open areas: Office Buildings Retail Sites Municipal Lighting College campuses

33 Common Applications Parking Lots Paths & Trails Landscape Signs & Billboards Transit Shelters Perimeter Security Roadways Campus Areas Passive Parks Philips Hadco Solar lighting is a public demonstration of a building owner s, government s or institution s green orientation

34 Where solar outdoor lighting works Anywhere there is sun Intense & regular sun leads to more economic solutions Note: Most on-grid PV systems focus on average sun, solar lighting is dependent on worst-case sun intensity

35 Retrofit with Solar Lights???? Not directly (in almost every case) Pole & foundation were not engineered for solar EPA of PV with luminaire > 15 ft 2 As technology continues to improve illumination becomes less of an issue

36 Look for Sweet Spot Applications Parking Lot, Path/Trail, Perimeter Security 0.5fc to 1.1fc average Apply controls or dimming Common requests outside the scope: retrofit high intensity outdoor luminaires and high-mast lighting

37 5. Specifications & LEED

38 Specification Goals Lighting requirements do not change because the lights are solar powered Define the lighting standard via IESNA guideline, client requirements and/or municipal code Define how long you want the space lit is dusk to dawn illumination really required? Determine performance requirements & reliability metrics i.e. nights of energy reserve and system capacity Warranty & site support how much protection does the client need or on-site tech support required?

39 Right Size Solar Lighting Solar Lighting systems are configured for your lighting and site requirements; specifically the PV sizing & battery capacity Several Crucial inputs: Geography Operating Mode Lighting Supplier/Manufacture Experience Number of nights autonomy Power draw of light One size does NOT fit all and the next 4 steps answer all of the questions

40 Four Steps to Specifying Solar Light 1. Define the lighting requirements 2. Select control options 3. Choose the light system style 4. Define performance requirements to qualify the configuration Illumination Requirement Select Controls Choose Light Style Configuration Validation

41 Step 1: Define the Lighting Requirements Just like on grid lighting Define the average and minimum illumination requirements and uniformity criteria (max/min, avg/min) Site Boundaries Color Temperature Legitimate.IES files only LM-79 for LED Lumen depreciation/light loss factors

42 Step 2: Select Control Options Several ordinances encourage the use of outdoor light control or restrict hours of operation It is advantageous to only provide light when needed, especially in solar lighting; reduces overall PV and battery costs Solar lights can be automated via wireless control systems and motion sensors

43 Step 3: Light System Style Luminaire style Select system configuration style: PV location & structure system Battery storage location, high, low, buried Color

44 Step 4: Peace of Mind Require manufacturer to provide a verification of: PV sizing Battery capacity Selection from a Solar Lighting Energy Calc Sheet Includes Sun hours Length of night Temperature de-rating for batteries Depth of discharge calculations Safety factor on PV

45 PV & Battery Capacity Solar lights work all year long when the PV & battery capacity are selected for the worst-case conditions Longest night Lowest solar insolation Coldest weather Use safety factors of 15% or more for peace of mind

46 Dynamic Lighting Conserve power through dimming when outdoor spaces are vacant to minimize costs Tailor lighting to customer preferences Provide lighting in parking lots that dims late at night and returns to full power before customers arrive Park paths can be programmed for joggers schedules in high use times of the year Turn off lights in bus shelters when the transit system is not operating

47 Dynamic Lighting Examples Dusk to Dawn Split Night with Dimming Split Night Split Night with Override

48 Dusk to Dawn Conventional Choice All night long Required visibility and security Maximum energy requirements Requires the most PV & battery Applications Perimeter security, access points, parking lots at 24 hour retailers

49 Split Night with Dimming Full light during high traffic periods after sunset and before sunrise Provides security light when facilities are in a low-traffic periods Applications: Paths, trails, playgrounds, signs, parking lots IESNA recommends For typical conditions. During periods of nonuse, the illuminance of certain parking facilities may be turned off or reduced to conserve energy. If reduced lighting is to be used only for the purpose of property security IESNA Lighting Handbook 9 th Edition

50 Split Night Light is on after sunset and/or before sunrise but off otherwise Solar controllers allow LEDs to perform a variety of special lighting options Increased light levels varied portions of the night Off at some some portion of the night Applications: Parks, shelters, billboards in the early morning hours, signs after a business is closed, boat ramps

51 Split Night with Override The flexible program with override Temporarily increase light levels when system is triggered by motion detector or manual input Wirelessly integrate on/off or dim commands Dimming during periods of vacancy or infrequent use Applications: parking lots, bus stops, paths and trails, sporting events or concert venues remote parking

52 Solar Lighting & LEED Solar lighting is an excellent LEED point-earning strategy Sustainable Sites Credit 8 Solar lighting exceeds ASHRAE lighting power density 0W/ft 2! Designed & positioned, can minimize light trespass Dark Sky Compliant luminaires Strategy: use the saved power (W) due to solar lighting for other lighting needs & still meet the site limits Energy & Atmosphere Credit 2 Use of photovoltaic and energy storage May qualify for credit if of a sufficient scope

53 6. Economic & Environment Benefits

54 Solar Lighting Perception Problems Solar lights do not last all night long Improved illumination technology is reliable and with adequate battery storage will work all night long Solar lights are too expensive When the cost of electrical infrastructure, trenching, wiring, etc. are considered, off-grid solar lighting may have the lowest first cost Electricity is cheap and plentiful When electricity was inexpensive and carbon was not a concern we used wasteful lighting systems, it is time to rethink the assumptions Technology has changed and so must perceptions

55 Solar Lighting Environmental Advantages Lighting is completely off grid & powered by the sun No CO 2 emissions Long lifecycle Long service cycle 4-6 years Replace 100% recyclable battery PV lifecycle exceeds 20 years Companies have launched Green initiatives to improve their environmental performance and respond to the concerns among their workers, customers, and the communities where they operate. Turner Construction Company 2008 Green Building Market Barometer

56 Net Zero Emissions Solar lighting systems produce electric power with no CO 2 emissions. Solar Lighting components are recyclable Less carbon emissions for maintenance of lighting by utilizing long life LED and no moving parts There are major environmental impacts attributed to electricity generation from non-renewable fuels. Emissions of atmospheric pollutants (particulates, Sulfur Dioxide (SOx), Nitrogen Oxide (NOx), Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 ), and others) have a serious impact on public health, water and crops. Architects are confronting the fact: buildings are the largest single contributor to production of greenhouse gases almost half of the total annual production.

57 Net Zero Cost Eliminate site preparation work & infrastructure that is installed only for outdoor lighting by going off grid those costs are applied to solar lights The owner recognizes long term economic value of the solar lighting and favorable opinion of the consumer Easy to verify (no meter running) A resource efficient parking lot reduces costs Conserve fossil fuels and other natural resources that are quickly diminishing and increasing in costs A greener more sustainable project The goal of solar outdoor lighting is not only economical savings, but shaping the perceptions of visitors, the measure of global character in providing carbon neutrality.

58 Economics of Solar Outdoor Lighting Pike Research The high levels of favorable impressions across gender, income, education and age segments suggests that solar energy enjoys widespread appeal from the mass market. By making buildings more energy efficient and utilizing renewable energy resources, owners will: Reduce facility operating costs via increased energy efficiency and lower energy demand Lower our nation s vulnerability to rising energy prices and conserve critical fossil fuel resources Reduce greenhouse gas and other polluting emissions Incentives Available vary by state Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows tax credit for up to 30% of the solar portions of the light, for profit entities only Grants for renewable energy usage Carbon credits and offsets Electricity Savings Installation Savings

59 Materials & Construction Reduction of onsite materials are accomplished through no installation of conduit, wiring and electrical connections. Transportation to the site of materials, trenching equipment and labor to perform these task provides substantial savings. Savings of installation costs for: Wire and Conduit Switch gear Site preparation Utility connection Fees Less installation time save labor costs

60 Grid Parity Installed Cost Analysis By accounting for ALL installation-related costs, connection costs, in many instances it can cost less overall for a solar powered lighting system than a comparable system connected to the electrical grid.

61 Grid Parity Analysis Each site is somewhat unique, but each cost should be considered Pathway lighting: Grid Connect Count Cost Extended Lights & Pole 59 $ 1,050 $ 61,950 Installation 59 $ 400 $ 23,600 Trenching (feet) 5,580 $ 40 $ 223,200 Transformer & Base 2 $ 8,000 $ 16,000 Disconnect(s) 4 $ 900 $ 3,600 $ 328,350 Solar Lighting Count Cost Extended Lights & Pole 76 $ 3,650 $ 277,400 Installation 76 $ 550 $ 41,800 $ 319,200 Grid Parity Savings $ 9,150 Net benefit of going solar

62 Ongoing Operating Benefits On Grid vs Solar Luminaire Comparison System On Grid CMH 250W Shoebox Luminaire Solar Powered 60W LED Luminaire Grid Power Draw (W) Hours Used per Year Energy Used (kwh) Electricity Rate (/kwh) Annual Electric Cost CO2 Emitted (lbs) 270 4,380 1, $ 0.12 $ , ,380 0 $ 0.12 $ - - After offsetting initial installation costs, solar lights have a substantially lower cost of ownership on an environmental and economic basis

63 Economics of Solar Outdoor Lights Solar Lighting is most economical when: Used in parking lots, along paths and trails and in security areas New Construction and Remote Underground utilities are failing Electricity costs are high Solar Lighting is least economical when: Solar lights used for high intensity lighting Primary Roadways Sports and Stadium Lighting Retrofitting properly functioning on-grid lighting Natural Disaster Interrupt Power Supplies

64 Regional Community Designs for Solar Lights Site selection for parking and pathway areas to maximize the use of solar technologies provide the community with a sense of planning and design efficiencies. Solar Lighting systems provide flexibility in placement and adaptability to building, pedestrian and traffic needs. No grid connections enhance placement opportunities where lighting is required.

65 Regional Community Designs for Solar Lights Passive Survivability - Solar Outdoor Lighting exceeds all requirements passing the power outage test. Even if the grid goes down solar lighting will be shining up to 5 nights depending on the sizing of the system and sun location. Independent systems; if one light goes out the other systems will not be affected enhancing safety and security on site. Emergency Lighting/Egress (natural disasters, hurricanes, tornados, etc) Safety and security Grid independence No special circuits required Collection areas

66 7. Closing Thoughts

67 Course Summary By now you should have a better understanding over the following: A basic understanding of solar outdoor lighting technology. The economic proposition for solar lighting is more favorable today than ever before. How to specify solar outdoor lighting systems for energy efficiency and reliability. Be able to determine that solar outdoor lighting meets requirements for several LEED points. Controls assure a more cost effective lighting solution with solar powered lights.

68 Final Thoughts Solar Outdoor Lighting The community and visitors immediately can see that a commitment to renewable energy and carbon savings are part of the project. Education is key to maximizing returns on solar outdoor lighting. The more information you have in your portfolio the better team decisions are made. Building owners are attracted to upfront savings for installation and the long term savings provided by off grid solar outdoor lighting. Architects and Designers promote sustainable solutions for energy demands and economically feasible choices of outdoor solar lighting. Increasing awareness of energy use and knowledge about specific energy-saving opportunities would enable end-users to act more swiftly in their own financial interest.

69 Questions? How does the solar light know when to turn on? How can solar street and parking lot lighting help me achieve carbon reduction on my project? How can solar outdoor lighting demonstrate sustainable design values in renewable energy resources? When is solar outdoor lighting right sized for the design of the site? How can solar outdoor lighting prove that it is the most efficient site lighting system? How does photovoltaics provide solar outdoor lighting sustainable materials and improve performance? What LEED points are available for solar outdoor lighting?

70 Questions For The Next Ten Minutes This concludes the course material. The following ten minutes will be for taking a short exam. You must complete the exam with an 80% or higher in order to receive credit. Please make sure and print your certificates of completion either for AIA/CES or for state MCE credit. Remember if you are an AIA member Architect-Forum will report credits to the AIA CES on your behalf.

71 This continuing education program is sponsored and provided to you due to the professional courtesy of: Solar Powered Outdoor Lighting: Sustainable Solution Sol Inc SW 42 nd Ave. Palm City, FL Phone: international Toll Free: Web: This concludes the continuing education program. Thank You For Your Time! AIA-SOL261-W The material contained in this continuing education program belongs to Sol Inc.. Questions or concerns about the program content need to be addressed with the program instructor.

72 Quiz Instructions SOL261-W-Quiz In order for you to get credit for this program you must successfully complete the following short exam. Pass for this exam is 80% or higher. Please make sure and print your certificates of completion either for AIA CES or for state MCE credit. You can print the certificate from your A-F transcript any time after completion. Remember that if you are an AIA member Architect- Forum will report credits to the AIA on your behalf. If your colleagues can benefit from this course, please let them know. Feel free to revisit the Architect-Forum LMS elearning System to take additional courses.

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