SOLAR ENERGY PROPOSAL FOR

ANDERSON HIGH SCHOOL

Rita Chen
22 May 2015

ABSTRACT
The project is to propose a plan for Anderson
High School to partially adopt solar energy
power. The solar panels will be installed on the
new science buildings projected for construction.
If conducive, solar panels can also be installed on
existing buildings. The ultimate goal is to lower
the energy bill for the school in the long run and
adopt a more environmental friendly form of
energy.

INTRODUCTION
Anderson High School was built in 1929
Improvements have been continuously
implemented, but many components of the
building remains outdated.
The cost of improvements and investments can
only become more expensive for the district,
therefore the district should consider
implementing changes that will save money in
the long run.

SOLAR ENERGY
Rapidly becoming cheaper and increasing feasibility.
Quickly spreading as a reliable form on energy around
the country.
Renewable, clean, environmentally friendly.
Though the costs of installation are still very
expensive, the savings from using solar energy will
pay itself off and save the district money in the long
run.

PROPOSAL
Two new science buildings are projected for
construction as early as June 2016.
New buildings will be 50X100, flat rooftop
Solar panels can be installed on the rooftop to
contribute to powering the new buildings.
The estimate is for a 1000 ft^2 system, which
equates to a 12.5 kW system.

ESTIMATE

This is an approximate estimate quoted from Green City

EcoStruction, a local solar energy installer.

HOW MUCH POWER WILL IT

PRODUCE

Cincinnati, Ohio is part of Zone 5 for a

solar hours resource map
Zone 5 gets an average of ~4.2 solar
hours p/ day over one year

Commercial rate of cost for energy is 4

cents per kW hour
Due to physics, there are losses when
converting energy from the sun to DC
power, and then to AC power. The derate
factor is usually around 80% of theoretical
maximum.
.80*(12.5kW*4.2hours/day)=42kW*hr/day
42kWhr/day(365 days)=15330 kWhr/year
15330kWhr/year(.04$)= $613.2 p/ year

FEASIBILITY
$87,457.12/($613.2/yr)= 142.6 years
Payoff period: approximately 142 years
After 142 years, the district saves $613.2 every
year because that is the value of how much the solar
system produces.
Not a highly conducive investment as of now.

WHY THE PAYOFF PERIOD IS

SO LONG
Though the cost of implementing solar power is quickly
decreasing nationwide, it has not decreased enough for a
feasible installation on a small scale commercial project such
as Andersons.
The payoff period may decrease largely if a larger solar panel
system is installed, such a 2000 ft^2 or 3000 ft^2 system.
The cost per unit installed decreases as system size increases
while the savings per year increase.
However, the district may save more than what is calculated
because of possible tax credits for adapting solar energy.

CONCLUSION
Adopting a 1000 ft^2 solar panel system for the
new buildings is rather unfeasible.
It may be a better option in the future, when solar
panels is more widely implemented by commercial
buildings.
Solar energy can still be highly favorable for
residential buildings because energy cost rate for
residential use is much higher, and self labor can cut
out installation costs.