PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE DWELLING: PERFORMANCE, ECONOMICS, AND USER ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVES: The study will investigate the performance, economics and user-related issues ofphotovoltaic (PV) energy as applied in residential dwellings. The study will address the following objectives: (1) monitor the performance of solar photovoltaic cell panels in producing electricity in the Garrett House - residential test facility located on the university campus; (2) study human-system interaction of occupants with the solar photovoltaic system installed in the Garrett House; (3) survey owners of houses that have installed solar photovoltaic systems to learn their experiences with its use, their reported economics and energy efficiency of the system; and (4) conduct an economic analysis of solar photovoltaic systems for housing in North Carolina.

APPROACH: The procedure for conducted the study involves a case-study approach as well as a state-wide consumer survey. The case study will use a campus residential test facility to study the performance of Amorphous and Crystalline modules in providing the dwelling electricity needs as well as to study the human interaction and human factors in the maintenance and use of PV systems in residences. The consumer survey will involve all known owners of photovoltaic systems installed in their homes to determine their experiences concerning their PV system including the required care and maintenance of the system, user evaluation of the system performance, household energy use patterns as related to the PV system; economics of their system, and general satisfaction with that system. Approximately 120 owners will be contacted to participate with an expected response rate of 45 percent.

PROGRESS: 1996/10 TO 1999/09

This study investigated the application of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in North Carolina residences. A survey of home owners who have installed solar photovoltaic systems provided a baseline measure of not only the usage level but also user experiences and motivations. The sample development was a challenge due to the lack of solid networks that regularly tract residential photovoltaic use. The NC Solar Center, PV owners, PV installers, requests in Solar Power magazine and Cooperative Extension agents provided contacts for sample development. Data were collected through a mail survey. Of the eighteen home owners respondents, the majority were male (76%), fully employed (72%), Caucasian (100%), and had incomes below $40,000 (53%). Half of the respondents were located in the Mountains region (50%), while 39% were in the Piedmont region and 11% were in Coastal region. The majority had a stand- alone system (66%) and thus did not rely on any utility generated power. The remaining had dual power, where they could use the utility generated power if needed. System satisfaction was highest for system reliability (71%), safety (65%) and durability (59%). Conclusions include the following: (1) there are few PV users, (2) a PV network would assist in research and educational efforts, (3) environmental reasons are motivators for PV usage, either for avoiding utility nuclear power (81%), or wanting to rely on renewable energy (75%).

PUBLICATIONS: 1996/10 TO 1999/09

Turner, C. (October, 1997). "Adoption and Use of Photovoltaics for Household Electricity by North Carolina Residents." Abstract, Proceedings of Association of Research Directors, San Antonio,Texas.

PROJ NO: NCX-142-5-97-170-1 AGENCY: CSRS NC.X
PROJ TYPE: EVANS-ALLEN PROJ. STATUS: TERMINATED
START: 01 OCT 1996 TERM: 30 SEP 1999 FY: 1997

INVESTIGATOR: Turner, C. S.; Shahbazi, A.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
HUMAN ENVIRONMENT & FAMILY SCI
NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIV
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 27411