Solar Energy as a Way to Save the Environment

Lyndon Rive,

Thank you for the opportunity to present to you and Solar City our proposal for bringing solar power to the government buildings of Trenton, New Jersey. In order to best appreciate the situation in which we find ourselves, we must undertake an explanation of why bringing solar power to the city is in everyone's best interest. This proposal, therefore, includes the reasons why solar panels are beneficial, how they help to reduce the carbon footprint, save on energy costs, and allow the city to demonstrate effective corporate social responsibility (CSR) by going green and helping the environment. You will, no doubt, find this proposal to be exactly the type of activity to which you are drawn, given your background as CEO of Solar City and extensive work in the energy sector.

My purpose in writing to you of our proposal is to identify a problem related to Trenton's government buildings and their energy usage and to provide a solution that works. I believe that with your assistance, we can bring solar power to Trenton's government buildings in an effective and efficient manner that could very well set the bar for other cities around the world looking to adopt similar CSR measures. Through our joint efforts we could put forward a perfect example of how to do the job correctly and make a tremendous impact in the lives of many while simultaneously extending our goals of becoming leaders in the industry.

This proposal includes all the research I have found on the subject, distilled for easy reading and formatted for quick reference. The substance of the argument, according to scholars, is that climate change is impacting the globe and that unless effective intervention is implemented immediately the effects may be irreversible. In our opinion, one needs no more dire call than this to appreciate the peril of the situation. It is with great humility that we recognize this not as a problem but as an opportunity to help set the course right, one small step at a time. By implementing solar panels over 750,000 sq. ft. of government building space, we can effectively reduce the carbon emissions in Trenton, as my plan will show. In so doing, we can help save the world for the next generations to come.

Thank you for your time and I readily look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Solar City Proposal: A Time for Change

Abstract

The onset of global warming/climate change has obliged governments around the world to become more proactive in their regard for the environment. While businesses in recent years have adopted corporate social responsibility programs geared towards helping the environment, it is time for governments to do the same. In Trenton, New Jersey, the implementation of solar panels on 750,000 sq. ft. of government building space can help to reduce the level of carbon emissions in the city and effectively serve to offset climate change. This proposal shows how the carbon emissions can be reduced by eliminating a portion of the city's dependency on the fossil fuels, which when burned give energy but also pollute the atmosphere. Using solar panels is a strategic alternative that cuts down on air pollution by minimizing the amount of greenhouse gases which become trapped in the atmosphere and contribute to the triggering of climate change/global warming. This proposal includes the relevant research that supports the science behind using solar energy, also known as clean energy, and shows how the research may be applied to the city of Trenton, New Jersey.

Table of Contents page 5

Table of Figures page 6

Introduction (Population and Problem) page 7

Harvesting Sunlight page 7

Climate Issues page 9

Significance page 10

The Benefits of Taking Action page 11

Literature Review page 12

History page- 6

Tax Incentives page-6

Models of Success page-7

Benefits of Solar Panels page-7

Connecting the Solar Panel System page-8

Plan page 18

Process page 20

Budget page 21

Summary and Evaluation page 21

Conclusion page 25

References page 27

Table of Figures

Table 1. New Jersey Costs page 16

Table 2. New Jersey Savings page 17

Table 3. Costs/Savings of Using Solar Panels in Trenton page 22

Introduction: Population and Problem

Harvesting Sunlight

In recent years, climate change has received more and more attention around the world, with national leaders convening for special meetings on the topic of the environment and how to protect it. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in late 2015 is the most notable example, with every country's representatives, from Vladimir Putin of Russia to Barack Obama of the U.S., agreeing to a global initiative to move their respective countries towards the adoption of clean energy in the coming years (Robbins, 2016). Thus, it may be said without doubt that people globally are noticing climate change and its effects and taking part in the solution to stem the tide of global warming. It is also clear, as research indicates, that companies such as Solar City are dedicated to advancing the interests of solar energy and changing our world for the better. As the Chief-Executive Officer you work with the government to encourage and aid the progression of solar installation to create a new, renewable source of energy. This energy decreases the burning of fossil fuels, which lowers the carbon emissions in the environment. This is a great method for advancing the directives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. How and where to apply it is a question that we can now address as we look at the potential benefits of harvesting sunlight for energy.

One problem area that has come to our attention is that of Trenton, New Jersey. New Jersey continues to depend on the use of fossil fuels for energy. While energy is vital in our everyday lives as well as in our economy, local governments should be aware of the alternatives that are available to them as they look towards implementing a clean energy policy in accordance with the guidance suggested by the United Nations member states. A popular argument regarding the transition from traditional energy sources to clean energy is that such a transition would lead to the layoff of many workers and further plunge the American economy into recession. Although many employees make a living off of fossil fuels, we are inevitably creating our own destruction by utilizing them. Moreover, the closing of one sector/industry does not mean that another cannot open to replace it. As the world turns towards clean energy, more jobs can open in the solar power sector as a result. Indeed, this is where Solar City comes into play. Solar panels have been proposed as a "cure" to the destruction of fossil fuels. Implementing solar panels is beneficial in multiple ways that not only will reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also will save money. It is truly the future of energy. PV Magazine, which is a news letter on all photovoltaic market technology, announced that, "SolarCity closed on a $188 million financing of residential solar projects through its renewable energy tax equity program with Bank of America Merrill Lynch and another un-named investor,"(Rosellund, 2016). That deal was made at the same time your company sealed another $150 million deal with Credit Suisse. In short, Solar City is putting people to work and helping to create a world that is more energy-efficient, greener, and cleaner.

It is well-known that Solar City is the leading innovative financer for solar development. Your main goal is to implement a better source of energy to reduce the amount of emissions as well as save money. With the research shown below, it is clear that this will further reinforce your vision on impacting the world: safeguarding the environment, improving people's lives, building a diverse and inclusive workplace, strengthening communities, and helping those in need around the globe (Rive, 2015). I firmly believe with your high interest in renewable energy sources, your focus on engineering for system optimization, your concerns and desires when confronting climate change, and your willingness to stop global warming make you an excellent candidate to support this proposal to help Trenton, New Jersey retrofit its existing government buildings with solar panels in order to help reduce the city's carbon emissions and dependence upon fossil fuels for energy.

But we cannot do it alone. Your company funds projects similar to mine throughout America, so it is apparent that you are committed to making a difference, especially when it comes to better energy. With the help of Solar City, modern electric grids, carbon emissions and the prices of energy will be reduced.

Climate Issues

Why Trenton, New Jersey? For one, Trenton is already promoting the use of solar power through its Solar Renewable Energy Credits program, which allows solar energy providers to claim credits that can be used to generate income from utilities companies. For another, New Jersey is well aware that it is fast approaching a crisis point: "Unless New Jersey acts decisively to reduce energy demand and increase the supply of low carbon emitting, reliable and reasonably priced energy, the state faces an increasingly costly and unsustainable energy future"(NJLM, 2015). As you well know, the burning of fossil fuels causes the release of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons, which are greenhouse gasses that pollute the air. According to the New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (2012), approximately 90% of New Jersey's greenhouse emissions are caused by the burning of fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels is also stated to be responsible for 30 million metric tons of carbon dioxide being produced each year from the generation of energy from the burning of fossil fuels. Many greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for long periods of time (Environmental Protection Agency, 2014), and the two main contributors of carbon dioxide are electricity and transportation, which are big factors in Trenton, New Jersey. According to the EPA (2014), "electricity and transportation emit about 38% and 32% of carbon dioxide, respectively." Even if emissions have stopped, increasing the atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations will keep levels elevated for hundreds of years to come. Carbon dioxide emissions are directly correlated to global warming. According to Vogt (2012), "climate change has many growing dangers; global warming is not fiction, but science." With the right science and the right support, the problem facing New Jersey and its dependence upon fossil fuels can be corrected.

Significance

New Jersey is also important as an east-coast state where reform has been a major platform of Chris Christie in recent years. Indeed, by helping the state and its capital city to reform the way in which it uses energy, an example can be given the rest of the country and the world on how energy and environmental concerns can be and should be just as important to local and state governments as issues of crime, economics, and pensions. As it now stands, New Jersey's dependency on the use of non-renewable resources, instead of renewable source of energy using solar panels, is making us part of the problem in the environment. "On Earth, human activities are changing the natural greenhouse. Over the last century the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). This happens because the coal or oil burning process combines carbon with oxygen in the air to make CO2" (Global Climate Change, 2005). In order to keep the Earth alive, it is imperative that we start fighting. "In this moment, the burning of coal emits between 1.4 to 3.6 pounds of carbon dioxide per kilowatt, whereas solar energy only emits 0.07 to 0.2 pounds of carbon dioxide per a kilowatt," (Benefits of Renewable Energy, 2015). That is a drastic change in which could only aid the environment. Last year in 2015, the United States produced a total of 1,925 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and 71% of that total came from burning coal. It is clearly a major contributor to emission of dangerous greenhouse gasses; it is evident that we need to switch to renewable energy. Fortunately, New Jersey has been committed to getting these emission levels lowered by 80% by 2050 (Andrews, 2007). This shows that the state is ready and willing to make a change, which means that now is the time to act.

You will also well know that climate change aposes unacceptable risks to our economies and security (Vogt, 2012). According to the United States Department of commerce (2013), the repair and response cost was about $36.9 billion for Hurricane Sandy alone. A majority of those expenses contributed to different types of construction, such as individual assistance, housing, business, schools and labor. Furthermore, in the midst of all that spending, many people lost their jobs, as businesses were destroyed and roads were blocked. Gas stations were not restocked and it was impossible to transport to any other part of the state. If we act now, we can help bring new jobs to areas of the world where jobs are currently scarce. Trenton, New Jersey, could just be the very first step in a long line of clean energy interventions.

The Benefits of Taking Action

Trenton would reap many benefits in the installation of solar panels. Increasing the city's solar energy capacity will increase the amount of renewable energy going into the electric grid and will decrease our carbon footprint, as well as reducing electric bills for facilities (Climate Action Plan, 2010). New Jersey's electric prices are the tenth highest in the nation in 2013; switching to renewable energy will cut electric cost statewide and earn an income from SERC (United States Energy, 2013). Unemployment rates will also decline, as opening positions for this project will create a demand for jobs through retrofit work and the local production of solar panels and systems. The city will also see a spark in the job market through the sale of Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) and other activities. Aside from changes in unemployment rates, changes in annual growth in green economic sectors and the number of living wage jobs are also indicators of success (Climate Action Plan, 2010). After extensive research, I have concluded that companies such as Solar City are dedicated to advancing the interests of solar energy and changing our world for the better. As the Chief-Executive Officer, you are one who works with the government to encourage the aid and progression of solar installation. This helps to create a new renewable energy economy that will, in turn, decreases the use of fossil fuels. Implementing solar panels will benefit society in multiple ways. There will not only be a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, but an enormous savings for the economy. Due to our current economic state, this is essential and shows that New Jersey is trying to make a change. The benefits that this investment will bring will be worth the return Trenton will see.

Literature Review

The first solar panels were created in the mid-1950s by Bell Labs. The idea was to create a renewable energy source that was clean: solar panels were just that -- they absorbed light from the sun and converted it into energy. Since the 1950s, solar energy has grown into a substantial market (Davis, 2007). Not only has solar power advanced in the intervening decades but the cost of producing solar energy has decreased, making it an affordable and attractive alternative to burning fossil fuels (Denholm et al., 2013).

Numerous studies have been performed that extol the application of solar power in urban area settings. The study by Freitas et al. (2015) examines the potential of using solar power in cities, which are identified as "complex environments, where solar radiation is unevenly distributed, especially since urban features started to propagate more and more vertically" (p. 915). The models used by the researchers to create 2D and 3D representations of how solar energy can be harnessed in cityscapes is an effective tool for city managers and policy-makers who are contemplating implementing solar energy tools in their urban areas. The study is very helpful in pointing out that the means to understand how to harness energy even in challenging settings is available thanks to advancements in modeling, technology and innovation.

The study by Redweik, Catita and Brito (2013) examines the method used to tell whether there is solar potential in urban areas by examining roofs and facades of buildings. The models are then created using digital elevation models from LiDAR data, and shadow for direct light and the sky view factor are calculated to determine the approximate amount of diffuse radiation. What the study finds is that facades of buildings constitute a substantial area for urban solar power potential. This study is helpful because it supports the proposal of this project, which is to bring solar power to the urban setting of Trenton, New Jersey. It supports the idea that roofs and facades of government buildings in Trenton can serve as a suitable platform for renewable solar energy panels.

The study by Santos et al. (2014) shows that before applying solar energy processes to urban areas, managers must first understand the way in which solar systems are geographically distributed in the region. The study finds that tall buildings are good avenues towards producing electricity for a city and that the best vantage points for turning facades and roofs into solar power generators can be assessed by using Geographic Information Systems and Light Direction and Ranging data (LiDAR). The cumulative statistics that result from the application of these models gives the information regarding a city's photovoltaic potential (PV) and informs city managers about whether or not solar energy would be a fruitful investment for that particular setting.

Each of these studies are helpful because they show how models can be applied to gauge the feasibility of using solar power in a city like Trenton. However, there are also other reasons that support the usage of solar power in the city. One of them is the concept of tax incentives, which can be given by the city for using solar energy. In New Jersey, the Solar Renewable Energy Credits program is available for use in the tax incentives category. The program stipulates that if one's solar power system is responsible for producing 1000 KWh, one receives a credit which goes to the user's account. The credits are added up and then sold to utilities companies, who in turn count the solar energy producer's credit as income for the producer (Climate Action Plan for the City of Trenton, 2010). Thus, the city of Trenton is already promoting the use of solar energy through its tax incentives program. The city is also offering Cleaner Renewable Energy Bonds, which amount to a low (or no) interest loan for solar power providers to install solar energy equipment. Thus investing in solar energy in the city of Trenton, New Jersey, is a project that is highly promoted by the city itself as well as throughout the state.

Examples of successful implementation of the solar power system have already been noted in other areas. For instance in Union County, more than 20 solar panels were installed at zero cost to state taxpayers: the panels were implemented over more than 40 buildings and open air lots with the total wattage of power produced surpassing 3 megawatts of power -- or enough electricity for roughly 700 homes (Hutchins, 2011). If this much electricity can be generated by simply using the surfaces of some 40 buildings and lots, it stands to reason that much more electricity could be generated by utilizing all the space available for surface panels. Not only do these panels help the environment by reducing carbon emissions, they also help cut costs. More than $4 billion will be saved as a result of this usage of clean energy (Hutchins, 2011).

Nearby Delaware has seen similar results. 16,000 solar panels were installed over a 20 acre area. More than 4 megawatts of power were produced and it is estimated that this solar power is equal to the reduction of carbon emissions from over 1000 cars (Delware Ranked Seventh in the Nation for Solar Energy, 2014). Thus the advantages of implementing solar power panels in regions that can sustain them is clear: it is cost-effective and safe for the environment.

Table 1. New Jersey Costs

Source: http://www.trentonnj.org/documents/trenton_green/trenton_cap_draft%206_22_10%20final2.pdf

Table 2. New Jersey Savings.

Source: http://www.trentonnj.org/documents/trenton_green/trenton_cap_draft%206_22_10%20final2.pdf

The 21st century faces new challenges that are both aesthetic and environmental. The idea of collaborative consumption and share space economies are concepts that can be put to use to support the infrastructural paradigms for this pursuit. Sustainability and renewable energy are important topics for the next generation and the collaborative consumption paradigm is a crucial one in today's business world, with examples of AirBnB, Uber and ZipCar acting as perfect models for how entities and persons can work together to share spaces and purposes for outcomes that benefit all.

The model of collaborative consumption is one that fits well with the concept of using existing government buildings as a platform for energy-producing solar panels. This concept is collaborative in the sense that no new infrastructure is needed, no laying of new groundwork or developing of systems. The infrastructure is already in place and all that needs to be performed is for the infrastructure to be outfitted with panels that can be easily constructed and attached to both roof surfaces and facades -- anywhere, in fact, the sun's rays can reach. The idea is that these buildings can be used for multiple purposes at one and the same time -- they can serve the purposes of the local government and they can double as energy-producing partners by giving a place for solar panels to work. This is a truly collaborative consumption, share space economy project that the next generation can be proud of.

The idea of collaborative consumption is that one can consume less and utilize more -- in this case, what is consumed less is energy (less burning of fossil fuels for electricity) and what is utilized more is the existing space that is already around the city. This is what "going green" is all about and it is at the heart of an eco-friendly system upon which the next generation will need to have in place in order for the planet to continue to function effectively (Botsman, 2010).

Plan

It is clear that our climate change problem is responsible for many downfalls in all aspects of society and is destroying all of mankind. For New Jersey in particular, it is imperative that we find alternative sources of energy because currently, we continue to fuel our own fire in by burning more and more fossil fuels.

Within New Jersey, the state capital Trenton, is the place to begin. Trenton is home to the most governmentally owned buildings in New Jersey. It contains some of the oldest buildings. According to the climate action plan "The City of Trenton owns approximately 71 properties, occupying a building area of 757,000 square feet. The City also owns more than 600 vacant properties. This tremendous amount of space could potentially support the development of solar infrastructure on a large scale,"(Climate Action Plan). Considering not each square foot would be covered by a Solar Panel, 500,000 square feet would be more than enough building area that can be utilized to implement solar panels, that will be able to generate these properties. Since there is a building area of 757,000 square feet of government owned property in Trenton, it is very logical to start there in such a commercial city to then only expand even further throughout New Jersey. That is why I believe this potential resolution pertains to you due to your high interest in renewable energy sources, the focus you have towards engineering optimized systems to better the environment, and your interests when confronting climate change.

By following the models used by researchers noted above, we can most accurately assess which areas (roofs, facades) of the government buildings' sq. footage is best for equipping with solar panels. Once these areas are identified and outfitted with the solar panels, expansion projects can be undertaken in which solar panels are spread throughout the city, applying the process to other municipalities as well as to hospitals, police and fire stations, and libraries. The purpose is to grow the project incrementally by stages, measuring the outcome of each sector to ensure that the output is meeting expectations.

This project proposes a 500kw system for each segment of implementation, with 500,000 sq. ft being targeted for each phase. With the credits received through the city's tax credit energy programs, the funds can be redistributed back into the project for expansion. Each segment of expansion should be completed within a year, with each year seeing one new segment/phase of growth being implemented, which will be supported by the credit income tax incentives received.

Solar City would be needed to help fund the upfront costs associated with the very first phase of implementation. Your company would then receive the tax credits and the recognition behind the project, bringing favorable corporate social responsibility exposure to your firm as a result. An educative process would also be utilized throughout the city to explain to citizens why this process is being undertaken so as to generate support among locals and community leaders too. Of course, the overall goal would be to help to reduce the amount of carbon emissions in the city.

Process

First Step: Identify the areas in the government buildings that have the most photovoltaic potential (PV)

Second Step: Plan the implementation process for the first segment, with additional segments/phases being outlined (three-to-four segments completed, with recommendations for future installations and rough outlines of additional segments ready to go)

Third Step: Qualifying for incentives and identifying others as well. This is an essential part of the process as it assists in the funding process as well as in the generated income process.

Fourth Step: Solar City can begin to construct and install solar panels in accordance with permits as given by the city. Partnering with sellers, contractors, advertisers, promoters, and supporters is also to be commenced at this juncture so as to provide unity, visibility, and a sense of community in the project.

Fifth Step: Installation is to be completed in the first segment, with energy output measured over the duration of the year to see whether energy wattage is meeting or exceeding expectations. Adjustments are to be made if needed.

Budget

Implementing photovoltaic solar panels for only 500,000 square feet

Installation per 100kW would acquire 10,000 sq.ft

That would equal out to 5,000kW in total to cover 500,000 sq. ft.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) system costs about $6-$10 per watt of capacity

On average PV costs $8 per watt of capacity

$800 per kW

$800 * 5000kW = $4,000,000 to cover 500,000 square feet.

Summary and Evaluation

In summation, the plan to use solar panels to help reduce emissions and costs to taxpayers for energy in the city of Trenton, New Jersey, is a feasible project that is based on the studies conducted by numerous researchers who have highlighted the application of solar panels in urban settings. The project requires initial funding and Solar City presents itself as a superb source for funding. It also stands to uniquely benefit from the tax incentives, credits and income generated from the installation of solar panels throughout Trenton as well as to reap the rewards of public goodwill for promoting clean energy solutions to the problem of pollution in the city.

As can be seen in Table 3, the city-wide savings in terms of electricity dollars through the implementation of solar panels in the city would be well over a quarter of a million dollars annually. Metric tons of carbon emissions would be reduced by nearly 1000 tons. This would provide the city with a first step in erecting a clean slate and would allow Trenton to rise from a polluted city to a shining exemplar of how to act responsibly in this age of environmental concern and care, which is in keeping with the United Nations mandate at the Paris convention, where world leaders came together to promote a plan towards adopting clean energy in the immediate future. Trenton, New Jersey, would be doing its small part and Solar City would be the leading force behind the project to come out with a boost to its reputation as a leader in the industry of solar energy and a promoter of corporate social responsibility.

Table 3. Costs/Savings of Using Solar Panels in Trenton

Source: http://www.trentonnj.org/documents/trenton_green/trenton_cap_draft%206_22_10%20final2.pdf

Solar energy is most assuredly the future of energy as far as Trenton is concerned. As researchers have shown, from Santos et al. (2014) to Frietas et al. (2015), the writing is on the wall -- which is where the solar panels should be too. Cities are great places to take advantage of the suns solar rays, which can be converted into electricity. Roofs and facades can be utilized as can be lots and all other manner of buildings to help generate electricity to power homes. In this manner, fewer fossil fuels can be burned and less deadly emissions pumped into the atmosphere.