The Efficacy of Implementing a Photovoltaic System at 1400 Lemarchant St.

Abstract

In this study we conducted a cost benefit analysis of an installation of photovoltaic panels on a house located at 1400 Lemarchant St. We calculated the available suitable rooftop space on the house, determined it to be 27m^2, and found we could fit 12 photovoltaic panels on the roof. After selecting a brand of photovoltaic panel to use for the study (GoGreenSolar.com DIY Solar Install Kit), we calculated how much energy would be produced per day, given the location of the house and the amount of sunlight it would receive, as well as the electricity producing properties of the chosen panel. We multiplied the daily energy production by 365 to determine the yearly energy production. We then calculated the amount of money the photovoltaic panels would produce per year by multiplying the yearly surplus energy production by Nova Scotia Power’s General Tariff. We then calculated the time it would take to buy-back the photovoltaic system by dividing the total system cost by the yearly amount of money saved. (8674/854=10.16 Years) The buyback time was calculated to be approximately 10 years. Given the associated costs, we determined that the installation of a photovoltaic panel system at 1400 Lemarchant St would be a good way to increase the amount of renewable energy that is produced on Dalhousie campus. In addition to reducing Dalhousie’s carbon footprint, we feel that the system can serve as a financially viable example of how other university campuses can make an effort to include more sources of renewable energy. The system also serves to provide a highly visible display of clean energy which can positively influence students, and create discussion about ‘green’ energy. We recommend that Dalhousie implements our suggested photovoltaic system at 1400 Lemarchant St, as well as perform a similar analysis on other Dalhousie campus buildings to determine their suitability for hosting a photovoltaic panel-based energy system.