Download School Solar Analysis - Strategic Energy Innovations.

Grade: 9-12
Version 4.1
June 2016
School Solar Analysis
Design, size, and site
a school solar system
while learning solar
science and building
career skills
www.seiinc.org
!
Welcome to the Solar Analysis Curriculum
This package:
!! Includes four interactive lessons designed for the high school level (grades 9-12)
!! Provides hands-on training in solar energy and solar system design
!! Addresses Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core State Standards, and
California Technical Education Standards
The Solar Analysis curriculum was developed by Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI), a non-profit
organization that provides energy efficiency and renewable energy consulting and related
services to the cornerstones of all communities - schools, local governments, the workforce and the
housing sector. For more information, visit http://www.seiinc.org.
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Table of Contents
Curriculum Introduction ................................................................................................................ 4!
Curriculum Key ............................................................................................................................ 4!
Setting the Stage .......................................................................................................................................................... 5!
ActivitIes .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5!
Assignments .................................................................................................................................................................... 5!
Handouts ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5!
Extensions ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5!
Academic Content Standards ...................................................................................................... 6!
Materials List .............................................................................................................................. 9!
Background for Lessons ............................................................................................................................................ 10!
School Solar Analysis Pre & Post Test .................................................................................................................... 12!
School Solar Analysis Pre & Post Test: Teacher Key ........................................................................................... 15!
Lesson 1: Energy & Climate Systems .......................................................................................... 18!
Key Words .................................................................................................................................................................. 18!
Preparation ................................................................................................................................................................. 19!
Setting the Stage: Energy Sources ......................................................................................................................... 20!
Optional Activity: Energy Sources Pros & Cons ................................................................................................... 23!
Setting the Stage: Generating Electricity .............................................................................................................. 23!
Activity 1: Building a Generator ............................................................................................................................. 24!
Discussion: Turbine Generators ................................................................................................................................ 26!
Setting the Stage: Carbon Cycle ............................................................................................................................ 27!
Optional Activity: Carbon Movement Through Reservoirs ................................................................................. 30!
Optional Activity: Carbon’s Journey ...................................................................................................................... 30!
Assessment ................................................................................................................................................................... 31!
Demonstration: The Greenhouse Effect .................................................................................................................. 31!
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 32!
Setting the Stage: The Greenhouse Effect ............................................................................................................ 33!
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 35!
Activity 2: Strength of the Evidence ....................................................................................................................... 36!
Optional Activity: Climate Science Research Project .......................................................................................... 36!
Assessment ................................................................................................................................................................... 37!
Handout: Energy Sources Pros and Cons............................................................................................................... 38!
Handout: Poster Presentation Guide ...................................................................................................................... 40!
Handout: Building a Generator .............................................................................................................................. 41!
Handout: Carbon Movement Through Reservoirs ................................................................................................ 43!
Handout: Carbon’s Journey ..................................................................................................................................... 44!
Carbon’s Journey: Teacher Key .............................................................................................................................. 47!
Handout: Greenhouse Effect Experiment .............................................................................................................. 48!
Handout: Strength of the Evidence ......................................................................................................................... 50!
Handout: Strength of the Evidence Data Organizer........................................................................................... 55!
Lesson 2: Solar Science ............................................................................................................. 57!
Key Words .................................................................................................................................................................. 57!
Preparation ................................................................................................................................................................. 58!
Activity 1: Energy and Solar ................................................................................................................................... 58!
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59!
Setting the Stage: Energy, Power, and Solar ...................................................................................................... 59!
Activity 2: Understanding Current .......................................................................................................................... 61!
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Setting the Stage: Solar Electric Systems .............................................................................................................. 62!
Activity 3: Solar Cell Demonstration ...................................................................................................................... 63!
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 65!
Assessment ................................................................................................................................................................... 65!
Extensions .................................................................................................................................................................... 65!
Setting the Stage: The Benefits of Solar ............................................................................................................... 66!
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 68!
Setting the Stage: Solar Industry ............................................................................................................................ 68!
Assignment ................................................................................................................................................................... 72!
Assessment ................................................................................................................................................................... 72!
Handout: Computer Energy and Power Use ......................................................................................................... 73!
Handout: Solar Research Project ............................................................................................................................ 74!
Lesson 3: Sizing a School Solar Electric System .......................................................................... 75!
Key Words .................................................................................................................................................................. 75!
Preparation ................................................................................................................................................................. 76!
Setting the Stage: Solar Design .............................................................................................................................. 76!
Activity 1: Solar System Components..................................................................................................................... 77!
Setting the Stage: Sizing A System ........................................................................................................................ 79!
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 82!
Activity 2: Sizing A Solar Electric System .............................................................................................................. 83!
Discussion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 84!
Handout: Solar System Design Cards .................................................................................................................... 85!
Handout: Sizing a Solar Electric System ................................................................................................................ 91!
Sizing a Solar Electric System: Teacher Key ........................................................................................................ 93!
Lesson 4: Optimizing School Solar Performance through Design ................................................. 96!
Key Words .................................................................................................................................................................. 96!
Preparation ................................................................................................................................................................. 97!
Activity 1: Investigating Maximizing Solar Power Production ........................................................................... 97!
Setting the Stage: Solar Siting ................................................................................................................................ 97!
Discussion ................................................................................................................................................................... 100!
Activity 2: Solar System Site Assessment ............................................................................................................. 100!
Handout: Maximizing Solar Power Production .................................................................................................. 102!
Handout: Rooftop Solar Site Assessment ............................................................................................................. 105!
Rooftop Solar Site Assessment: Teacher Key ..................................................................................................... 115!
Handout: District/School Board Solar Proposal ................................................................................................. 125!
Handout: Solar Proposal Letter Outline .............................................................................................................. 126!
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Background: Exploring Solar Electric Systems
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Climate Change
having some greenhouse effect is crucial to life.
Unfortunately, by releasing GHGs into the
atmosphere at an unprecedented rate, we are
creating many environmental problems.
The Carbon Cycle and Fossil Fuels
Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere
BACKGROUND FOR LESSONS
Human actions have a global environmental
impact. Our reliance on unsustainable fuel
sources has caused an imbalance in the carbon
cycle and led to global climate change. Fossil
fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas were
formed when decaying plant and animal matter
buried deep underground were subjected to
unique conditions, including intense heat and
pressure for millions of years. When we dig up
these fuel sources and burn them for energy,
carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere.
Because we are burning fossil fuels at a MUCH
faster rate than they can be formed, we are not
only running out of these fuel sources but we
have created an overabundance of carbon
dioxide in the atmosphere.
The human contribution to the greenhouse effect
is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels, but
agricultural practices, deforestation, waste, and
many other societal systems also add to the total
human-sourced carbon dioxide that is
accumulating in our atmosphere. The
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) has measured historical levels of carbon
dioxide on Earth over hundreds of thousands of
years and discovered that over the last 200
years CO2 levels have increased from an
average of 275 parts per million (ppm) to over
400ppm in 2013.
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Consequences of Climate Change
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The Greenhouse Effect
Carbon dioxide, along with methane and nitrous
oxide, are the most prevalent greenhouse gases
(GHGs) on Earth. When solar radiation passes
through the atmosphere and warms Earth’s
surface, the warm Earth re-emits infrared
radiation. Some of this radiation is naturally
trapped in the atmosphere by GHGs. Therefore,
the more GHGs we have in the atmosphere, the
more infrared heat is trapped, raising the
overall surface temperature of the Earth. If there
were no greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,
Earth’s surface would be too cold to survive, so
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Carbon cycle image courtesy of Dave Murro
The large increase in atmospheric carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases over the
last 200 years has triggered an increase in
average global temperatures that leads to many
impacts. With climate change, we expect to see
and have already seen: extreme events such as
floods, droughts, storms, and fires; intense heat
waves; shifting weather patterns that threaten
food and water supplies; changing disease
patterns such as malaria in expanded areas of
the world; shrinking ice sheets; and rising sea
levels, displacing coastal communities around the
world.
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All images from 350.org from IPCC data
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Background: Exploring Solar Electric Systems
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Alternative Energy
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One way to address the causes of climate
change is to examine alternative sources of
energy. Renewable energy is energy that comes
from a source that is naturally replenished such
as sunlight, wind, or waves. Renewable energy
does not emit carbon dioxide in the production
process.
Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) cells use the
energy in photons, particles of light, to produce
electricity. Solar power is becoming much more
popular among homeowners and commercial
building uses because it provides a safe, cost
effective source of energy.
Scientists at the IPCC have identified the highest
safe level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
to be 350 ppm. If we do not reduce our carbon
dioxide emissions, we risk reaching a tipping
point in global temperature that could threaten
the ability of current species on Earth, including
humans, to adapt to rapidly changing conditions.
Performing a solar assessment in a home,
commercial building, or school is a way to assess
the potential for solar power a home or building
has and determine the cost effectiveness of
transitioning to solar power.
The results of a solar assessment can help
consumers of energy make informed choices on
how to best install solar in their home or business.!!
Additional Resources
!! EPA Sustainability & Climate Change Overviews
www.epa.gov/sustainability/basicinfo.htm
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
!! NASA’s Climate Change Overview
http://climate.nasa.gov/
!! Climate Change Resources for Teachers
http://www.teachclimatechange.org/
!! 350.org Climate Science Page
http://www.350.org/en/about/science
!
!! Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
http://www.ipcc.ch
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School Solar Analysis
Lesson 1: Energy & Climate Systems
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Lesson 1: Energy & Climate
Systems!
Lesson 1 Overview
Estimate Time: 90 minutes (Two 45-minute
periods)
Standards:
NGSS: HS-PS2-5, HS-ESS2-4, HS-ESS2-6, HSESS3-6
CCSS ELA Literacy: L:1, 6 S&L: Presentation of
Knowledge & Ideas: 1a,c 4a,b, 5 WS: 4 RS: 7
CTE Energy, Environment & Utilities: A.0-A1.3,
A2.0-A2.6, A3.0-A3.2, A7.0, A7.2-A7.5, B1.0,
B1.1, B2.3 Engineering & Architecture: D4.0,
D4.1, D4.4
Objectives: Students will be able to:
•! Explain the stages of the carbon cycle
•! Identify sources of energy sources and
their consequences
•! Demonstrate an understanding of the
causes and consequences of climate
change
Handouts:
•! 1.1 Energy Pros and Cons
•! 1.2 Poster Presentation Guide
•! 1.3 Building a Generator
•! 1.4 Carbon Movement Through Reservoirs
•! 1.5 Carbon’s Journey
•! 1.6 Greenhouse Effect Experiment
•! 1.7 Strength of the Evidence
•! 1.8 Strength of the Evidence Data
Organizer
Prep Time:
1 hour
Materials:
•! PowerPoint presentation and projector
•! Greenhouse Gas Demo: 2 2-liter clear
soda bottles, 4 cups of water, 4 ~2500
mg sodium bicarbonate tablets (Alka
Seltzer), 2 thermometers, funnel, watch
•! Generator: Coil of wire, electrical leads,
magnet, ammeter/multimeter
This lesson creates an opportunity for discussing and
understanding our energy choices in the context of
climate change. Earth’s average temperature is
rising due to human activities that release
greenhouse gases, leading to changes in our climate.
The largest share of these emissions comes from
electricity production and consumption. Solar power
offers a viable alternative for the production of
electricity without the emission of greenhouse gases.
KEY WORDS
Climate: The average weather in a region over a
relatively long period of time. Weather is measured
over a shorter time period, such as one day or week
Renewable Energy: Energy that comes from sources
that are replenished on a human timescale such as
solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower
Non-Renewable Energy: Energy that comes from
sources that are not replenished within a human
timescale such as coal, natural gas, and petroleum
Fossil Fuels: Energy sources such as coal, petroleum,
and natural gas that formed over millions of years
from the remains of plants and animals subjected to
tremendous heat and pressure underground. When
burned, fossil fuels emit carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases
Energy Density: The amount of energy available in
a specific quantity of energy source
Carbon Cycle: The combined process (including
photosynthesis, decomposition, respiration, and
combustion) by which carbon cycles between its
major reservoirs - the atmosphere, oceans, land, and
living organisms
Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap infrared
radiation in the atmosphere including water vapor,
carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide
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School Solar Analysis
Lesson 1: Energy and Climate Science
Greenhouse Effect: The warming effect caused by greenhouse gases (GHGs), which trap infrared
radiation from the sun in the atmosphere. The greenhouse effect is vital to maintaining a
hospitable climate for life on Earth, but increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases lead to
changes in the Earth’s climate
Parts Per Million (ppm): A unit of measurement for the concentration of gases in the atmosphere
Infrared Radiation: Electromagnetic radiation that comes from the sun. It has a longer wavelength
and less energy than visible light, but a shorter wavelength and more energy than microwave
radiation
Climate Change: A significant change in Earth’s natural climate, leading to significant changes in
temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, among other impacts
Carbon Footprint: A measure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with our day-to-day
demand on natural resources and our use of fossil fuels for buildings and transportation
PREPARATION
!! Gather required materials for the greenhouse effect demonstration (see the next section for
the required materials).
!! Review materials on climate science, including the carbon cycle resources from The Habitable
Planet and the greenhouse effect. Use the PowerPoint included with the curriculum to cover
these concepts with students.
!! Print the following handouts:
#! 1.1 Energy Pros and Cons – one per student
#! 1.2 Poster Presentation Guide – one per student
#! 1.3 Building a Generator – one per student
#! 1.4 Carbon Movement Through Reservoirs – one class set
#! 1.5 Carbon’s Journey – one per student
#! 1.6 Greenhouse Gas Effect Experiment – one per student
#! 1.7 Strength of the Evidence – one class set
#! 1.8 Strength of the Evidence Data Organizer – one per student
!! Practice building a mini generator and gather supplies so each group of 3-4 students can
build a mini generator.
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School Solar Analysis
Lesson 1: Energy and Climate Science
SETTING THE STAGE: ENERGY SOURCES
!! Use the PowerPoint and the background material below to cover energy sources with
students.
!! Energy for electricity comes from two different types of sources: non-renewable and
renewable. The most common types of non-renewable energy sources used worldwide are
fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
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!! Electricity in the US comes from many different sources, but fossil fuel combustion is the largest
generator of electricity.
#! Fossil fuels were created 90-150 million years ago when the decomposing remains
of buried plants and animals were subjected to a combination of unique circumstances
including time (millions of years), tremendous heat, and pressure underground. Fossil
fuels store carbon safely underground that is then released when burned to generate
electricity or power our transportation vehicles.
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Image created by SEI media intern Abraham Lopez.
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School Solar Analysis
Lesson 1: Energy and Climate Science
#! Non-renewable energy sources, including fossil fuels, are not replaced on a human
timescale. Once they are used, they’re gone.
#! Fossil fuels are burned in power plants to generate electricity.
!! Fossil fuels have a relatively high energy density, but emit significant amounts of greenhouse
gases when combusted.
#! Coal is generally used for electricity and manufacturing in the United States and
supplies nearly 40% of the country’s electricity. Coal has a relatively low cost per unit,
but emits the most greenhouse gases.
#! Oil, used for transportation and manufacturing, is the raw material for diesel, gasoline,
and plastic products.
#! Natural gas is used for heating, electricity, transportation, and manufacturing. Natural
gas emits less greenhouse gases per unit of energy used than oil and coal.
#! The production of electricity through nuclear power does not result in greenhouse gas
emissions, but nuclear energy is considered a non-renewable resource because
uranium, the fuel source of nuclear power, is non-renewable. Also, nuclear energy
produces nuclear waste, a toxic, persistent byproduct.
#! Large hydropower is also not considered a renewable form of energy even though it
does not emit greenhouse gases because dams can harm the surrounding ecosystem by
blocking the movement of fish and sediments in the river.
!! Renewable energy comes from a source that does not run out on a human timescale.
Examples of renewable energy include solar, wind, geothermal, small hydropower, and
biomass.
#! The table below shows the electricity resource mix for the United States and for
California.
Electricity Resource Mix 20144
Resource Type
Coal
Large Hydro
Natural Gas
Nuclear
Petroleum
Other
Renewables
US
39%
6%
27%
19%
1%
<1%
7%
CA
6.4%
5.5%
44.5%
8.5%
0.0%
0.0%
20.1%
GHG Emissions
Level
High
Low
Medium
Low
High
Low
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Source: CA: http://energyalmanac.ca.gov/electricity/total_system_power.html
and US: https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.cfm?id=427&t=3
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School Solar Analysis
Lesson 1: Energy and Climate Science
#! The combustion of biofuels for electricity or transportation fuel emits greenhouse gases,
but biofuels are considered carbon neutral since plants grown for fuel sequester the
same amount of carbon that they release when burned as an energy source.
#! Solar energy harnesses energy from the sun to create both heat and electricity. For
example, solar water heaters use energy from the sun to heat water, and solar
photovoltaic (PV) cells convert the sun’s energy into electricity.
#! Wind energy uses the force of wind to rotate turbines to produce electricity. Wind
farms are large collections of wind turbines that generate electricity.
#! Geothermal energy comes from hot water or steam naturally created underground.
Pipes are drilled into these sources to collect steam and turn turbines. Some
geothermal power plants emit small amounts carbon dioxide and air pollutants, due to
the presence of naturally occurring dissolved gases contained in most geothermal
systems, but that amounts are significantly less than burning fossil fuels.5
#! Hydropower is created when the force of flowing water from rivers is used to turn
turbines built inside a dam. Hydropower dams do not emit greenhouse gas emissions.
However, they can harm the surrounding ecology by blocking the movement of fish
and sediments in the river. Hydropower is the single largest source of renewable
electrical energy in the US.
#! Biomass energy is the burning of organic matter such as cow manure, agriculture waste,
or methane from landfills to create energy. Biomass energy can be used for electricity
or converted into fuel for transportation. Since biomass requires combustion, it does
emit greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. Other renewable energy sources
do not generally emit greenhouse gases.
!! Whether renewable or non-renewable, using any kind of energy source has pros and cons.
For example, historically energy from coal was inexpensive, relative to other energy sources.
This can be considered an economic advantage, or pro, of coal. However, mining and burning
coal causes serious damage to the environment. This is an environmental disadvantage, or con,
of coal.
Have the class answer the following question in their journals, or discuss in pairs:
#! What are some consequences of energy production?
o! Monetary cost, depletion of finite resources, degradation from extraction, pollution,
climate change
#! Why do we use energy sources that have negative impacts on the environment and human
health?
Inform the class that they will be discussing the impacts of energy production on climate in the next
lesson.
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Source: http://geo-energy.org/reports/GeothermalGreenhouseEmissionsNov2012GEA_web.pdf
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