Solar Energy: A Systems Approach

Solar Energy
A Systems Approach

In this session we will be learning about various future possibilities for efficient energy development in terms of systems thinking. Solar power is the most discussed because of the abundance of energy constantly bombarding our earth on a daily basis. As an assignment, Google “solar energy” and learn about how solar energy is important to our ecosystem and to date how man has captured sunlight for beneficial purposes, both passively and actively.

As systems thinkers you must be asking yourself, what has prevented us from converting this free, abundant source of energy to replace the current manufactured, carbon producing forms of energy which can result in harmful carbon emissions into the atmosphere? Well man, himself, is part of the problem. In Thomas Friedman’s book, “Flat, Hot, and Crowded”, we learn about a solar energy company that built a large solar panel field in the desert, but the requirement to transport the energy via transmission lines 250 miles to the electrical grid was blocked by bureaucracy and conservation groups, resulting in an estimated projected completion time of thirteen years. As mentioned in the previous session, to solve this problem you must now become system theorists because you must include society into your analysis. As an assignment, read Friedman’s book and write a summary of your conclusions about the book.

I am sure you are now asking yourselves why individuals cannot install solar paneling on their homes to provide their electrical needs. To explore this question, the city of Franklin, Tennessee has the vision of powering their entire city using solar energy and has the support of local colleges and the Tennessee Valley Authority. However, a local solar power enthusiast and construction contractor who actively integrates solar power into his projects reports that there only is a 2% profit margin with solar power—hardly an incentive for a businessman or woman. There is serious discussion being undertaken in Franklin for consideration of a centralized, cooperative, solar station where homeowners could draw power and share in revenues from excess energy sold back to the power company grid. As an assignment, first Google “holistic thinking” and then study the three above alternatives—(1) remote solar collection; (2) individual solar collection; and (3) community solar collection. Pretend you are a consultant and are asked to evaluate these three alternatives. In order to fully evaluate each alternative, you would have to become a “systems analyst” and in performing this analysis you would have to be a holistic thinker.

Part of your systems approach to analyzing and proposing best alternatives you must become a futurist and deal with probabilities of technological breakthroughs. As an example, nanotechnology now enables solar panels to collect energy when the sun is as low as 20 degrees below the horizon after sunset. Although the new technology has a higher price tag, it does suggest increased efficiency and there may be economic tradeoffs. Also, this new technology might make solar power available to higher latitudes with limits on effective day time. To become better able to assign future probabilities there are a number of publications and organizations to help you. One suggestion would be the World Future Society and also see www.kurzweilAI.net. By following these newsletters you will keep up on the leading edge of systems thinking. For instance Kurzweil reports that in Australia where there is a serious need for water, a plant known as “Acquasol 1” has been built to capture solar energy for desalinization for providing purified water as well as providing electrical power. This type of systems thinking can make solar power multi-functional and ultimately cost effective. As an assignment order through the internet the parts for making a solar operated machine which includes a solar strip; a small transformer; a motor; and mechanical powered device which you can build yourself. (You might want to design a solar powered “Bobble Head” representing all of the non-systems thinkers in the world). You can upload your final solar power design at the end of this session). Or as an alternate assignment, do research on creative ideas on improving the capturing and use of solar power.

In the next session we will learn about wind power.