Parker Graham

Ms. Caruso

UWRT 1103

11 April 2017

Defense Paper: Alternative Energy Systems

Most Americans would agree that global warming is a real threat to our planet, and that

implementing alternative energy sources is a major step to combating the effects of it. Yet, only

4% of American homeowners have residential solar panels installed, and only 40% have even

considered the option (6). It is a widespread myth that solar panels are only for the rich, and

should be considered a luxury. While It turns out that solar panels have become increasingly

affordable for the middle class over the past decade, with the White House announcing several

policies to ensure so (2). And if solar panels are not the right choice for you due to living space

or economic position, there are other alternative energy systems out there worth considering. Im

sympathetic with the American people who are hesitant to make the switch. The process of

purchasing an alternative energy system can be confusing at times, but it is crucial that we

overcome this and push forward the energy transition that seems to of stalled out in present day

America. Making solar panels and other alternative energy sources the norm in the middle class

of America should be the goal.

Starting the process of purchasing and installing one of these systems can be intimidating,

and I think most people do not know where to start. My goal is to spread the message that there

are alternative energy systems out there for almost everybody. I also want to be able to point

people in the right direction as to where to purchase these systems and the steps they need to take

to do so. To accomplish this goal, I created a buyers guide in the form of a brochure. My plan is
for this brochure to be displayed primarily in home improvement stores or local hardware stores,

but really in any popular store will work. I say hardware stores because I want to specifically

target people who are trying to make home improvements and who are proactive. They would

ideally be the most willing to make the switch. But want to reach more than just the home

improvement type, and that is why I say any store will work. I want to get the idea of new energy

systems turning in every home owners mind. There were also some specific decisions that I

made regarding the aesthetic design of the brochure. When it came to color I chose bright eye-

catching colors that will make my brochure stand out from others on a large display. There is a

lot of green on the brochure for the obvious symbolism of being eco-friendly. Another touch that

I added was putting in bold and increased font size the potential money to be saved by any of the

given systems, to grab the attention of viewers.

In the research I did prior to creating my product I read a lot about the current state of the

alternative energy switch in America, and why it seems to of stalled. I think every homeowner

should know of this information and understand why it is important that we keep pushing

forward these new energy systems, and thats why its the first thing I discuss on my brochure.

From the very beginning when global warming was first becoming a national discussion, goals

were set for renewable energy sources. Such as Al Gores 100% renewable electricity by 2020

target (5). As America gets closer to these deadlines and realizes that we are nowhere close to

reaching our goals it is quite disheartening, and this has caused a slump in the energy switch. The

blame has to be partially put on those who created the unrealistic goals in the first place. It's

taken between 50 and 70 years for a resource to reach a large penetration. When you look at the

money, the infrastructure, the regulation, the technologies, it takes many decades for any fuel

source to make a large impact (3). Setting goals such as 100% renewables by 2020 was over-
optimistic and unrealistic. And this is where the homeowner of the middle class come in. The

switch is still important and crucial for our planets future and needs to be driven forward by the

middle class. About a fifth of energy consumption in America comes from the residential sector

(14). If renewable energy sources can become the normal in residential areas it will save families

a considerable amount of money while also setting forth a new energy standard for us to live by.

When it comes to the actual alternative energy systems I covered in my additional

research and on my brochure, there were several options the first being solar panels the most

well-known system. The first thing I wanted to do was see if solar panels were the right fit for

the reader. Solar panels are one of the cheapest options and the easiest to get your hands on (7).

The first variable to consider is how much money is willing to be spent on the system. In North

Carolina the average cost for a 6 kW system ranges between $12,900 and $16,300 (8). This is a

hefty price to pay up front to purchase and have your system installed. The buyer should keep in

mind that solar panels and any other alternative energy systems are an investment and will pay

for themselves in only a matter of time. The average U.S. household can break even on their

solar energy system in just 7.5 years, and in Charlotte NC, over the course of 20 years, the

owner should expect to save upwards of $15,000 (8). Another factor to consider before

purchasing solar panels is the build of the house. The ideal house for solar panels will have

maximum surface area facing South, minimal shading, and minimal obstructions on the roof (9).

Also on my brochure regarding solar panels I give links to helpful websites that assist in finding

the specific solar panel that is right for you. Included in these links is a Solar Calculator that

quickly estimates your savings with solar based off of your roof, electricity bill, and actual

offers in your area (10).

 In addition to solar panels, in my brochure I give information about a couple other

alternative energy systems. The two options that I share are hydropower systems and wind

turbines. Both systems have their pros and cons when compared to solar panels. Wind turbines

are a great option for homeowners in a more rural area, ideally on a one acre plus plot of land.

Wind turbines are one of, if not the most efficient option on the market with the capability of

reducing energy-costs by up to 90%. The system does have its downfalls as they require regular

maintenance and are quite expensive. A 10 kW wind turbine costs approximately $48,000

65,000 total, with the equipment costing about $40,000 and the rest being shipping and

installation. But, the system pays for itself in as short as 6 years and any electricity produced

after that is essentially free (11). The other type of system that I discuss is hydropower. This

system is for a very specific group of homeowners as it requires a stream, creek, or flowing

water to be somewhere on the property. But this is a great option for homeowners in wooded

area where solar panels are not applicable (12). Just like the wind turbines hydropower has its

advantages and disadvantages. Hydro can often be the most economical renewable electricity

resource over the long haul (13). However, hydropower can be extremely difficult to install and

often comes with a large price tag. To have a hydro system fully installed it can costs as low as

$20,000 and as high as $100,000, it all depends on the waterway that the homeowner has

available (13). Both wind turbines and hydropower are great options and should be considered

by anyone who meets the criteria.

My goal is to spread the message of the importance of implementing alternative energy

systems in middle class homes. A normal of alternative energy systems needs to be pushed

forward to kick-start the switch to alternative energy systems once again. I think my product, the

brochure, should be successful in doing so. I am able to present the issue facing America to the
reader and what I believe needs to be done to address it. I present three separate systems for

homeowners to consider and describe pros and cons of them. The brochure successfully

introduces homeowners to the world of renewable energy systems and helps them begin their

journey into it.

Bibliography

Original Sources:

1. Huso, Deborah. "Can You Afford to Go Green? The Cost and Savings of Residential

Renewable Energy Systems." Mother Earth Living. December 06, 2010. Accessed

February 21, 2017. http://www.motherearthliving.com/energy-efficiency/can-you-afford-

to-go-green-residential-renewable-energy-systems.

2. Ruffalo / Huffington Post, Mark. "How Solar Power Can Be Affordable and Accessible for

All." Alternet. July 20, 2015. Accessed February 23, 2017.

http://www.alternet.org/environment/how-solar-poiwer-can-be-affordable-and-

accessible-all.

3. Lacey, Stephen. "Why the Energy Transition is Longer Than We Admit." Renewable Energy

World. April 22, 2010. Accessed February 21, 2017.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/ugc/articles/2010/04/why-the-energy-transition-

is-longer-than-we-admit.html.

4. Maly, Tim. "A Brief History of Human Energy Use." The Atlantic. November 13, 2015.

Accessed February 23, 2017. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/11/a-

brief-history-of-human-energy-use/415749/.

5. Gipe, Paul. "Can the U.S. Reach 100 Percent Renewable Electricity in 10 Years?" Renewable

Energy World. July 17, 2008. Accessed February 21, 2017.

http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/articles/2008/07/can-the-u-s-reach-100-percent-

renewable-electricity-in-10-years-53095.html.
New Sources:

6. Funk, Cary, and Brian Kennedy. "Public opinion on renewables and other energy sources."

Pew Research Center. October 4, 2016. Accessed April 3, 2017.

http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/10/04/public-opinion-on-renewables-and-other-energy-

sources/.

7. "Solar Power vs. Wind Power Pros and Cons." Go Green in Your Home. Accessed April 3,

2017. http://gogreeninyourhome.com/how-to-save-electricity/solar-power-vs-wind-

power-pros-and-cons/.

8. Matasci, Sara. "2017 Average Cost of Solar Panels in the U.S." EnergySage. February 11,

2017. Accessed April 03, 2017. http://news.energysage.com/how-much-does-the-

average-solar-panel-installation-cost-in-the-u-s/.

9. "Is My House a Good Fit for Solar? | SolarFlair Energy Inc." SolarFlair Energy. Accessed

April 04, 2017. http://www.solarflair.com/start/solar-viability.

10. "Solar Calculator." EnergySage. Accessed April 04, 2017.

http://www.energysage.com/solar/calculator/.

11. "Residential Wind Energy Systems - Bergey Wind PowerBergey Wind Power." Bergey

Wind Power. Accessed April 04, 2017. http://bergey.com/wind-school/residential-wind-

energy-systems.

12. "Solar, Wind, Hydropower: Home Renewable Energy Installations." Energy.gov. Accessed

April 04, 2017. https://energy.gov/articles/solar-wind-hydropower-home-renewable-

energy-installations.
13. Piggott, Hugh . "ASK THE EXPERTS: Microhydro Cost." Home Power. January 2013.

Accessed April 04, 2017. https://www.homepower.com/articles/microhydro-

power/design-installation/ask-experts-microhydro-cost.

14. "Energy consumption estimates by sector." U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA -

Independent Statistics and Analysis. Accessed April 04, 2017.

https://www.eia.gov/consumption/.