This document discusses the benefits of solar energy and provides examples of its use. It summarizes that NASA, Fakhoury, and the U.S. Coast Guard all use photovoltaic solar systems, while the U.S. currently gets most of its electricity from fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil. It then outlines the benefits of solar energy, explaining that it is a local, clean, and efficient alternative to fossil fuel-based power generation.

1. “Smart Solutions For A Green Tomorrow”

4. NASA- 36 KW photovoltaic
Fakhoury- 25 KW photovoltaic
U.S. Coast Guard- Solar Thermal
Kenyon- 26 KW photovoltaic

6. When sunlight is absorbed
by these semiconducting
materials, the solar energy
knocks electrons loose
from their atoms, allowing
the electrons to flow
through the material to
produce electricity.
Solar cells are made of silicon, the second most
common element, exceeded only by oxygen.
This process of converting light (photons) to electricity
(voltage) is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.

9. Map courtesy of National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy

13. The vast majority of households in the U.S. receive 100% of their energy
from the grid. Over 70% of all electricity in the grid is supplied from
power plants burning fossil fuels like coal, gas, and oil.
The U.S. currently ranks 2nd in coal consumption at over 500 million tons a year.
41%
6%20%
15%
16%
Coal
Oil
Gas
Nuclear
Hydro
Other

14. Every time you switch on your computer, washing machine, TV, or
toaster, pollution is being created somewhere at the other end of the
wire. This pollution has far-ranging consequences and contributes to
poor air quality and climate change.
Energy Information Administration
2009 International Energy Outlook

15. •With solar, there's no fuel to mine.
•No mechanics, noise or moving parts.
•No power stations and long-distance transmission.
Solar energy is local, clean, and efficient.

17. System Size 2,500 Watts 5,000 Watts 7,500 Watts 10,000 Watts 12,500 Watts
Cost $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000
30% Tax Credit -6,000 -12,000 -18,000 -24,000 -30,000
TVA GPS -1,000 -1,000 -1,000 -1,000 -1,000
Total $13,000 $27,000 $41,000 $55,000 $69,000

18. 30% Federal Tax Credit TVA Green Power Switch

19. Before 2009, the tax credit for installing a qualified solar system was limited to
$2000. But now there is no limit. The credit is good for 30% of the system cost,
after rebates. This tax credit is more powerful than a tax deduction. A deduction
simply reduces your taxable income, while the credit reduces your tax bill directly.
In plain English, a $10,000 tax credit reduces your taxes by $10,000. A tax
deduction reduces it by only $1500 to $3500, depending on which tax bracket
you're in.
How the program works:

20. How the program works:
 A solar system is installed by a residential customer served by the TVA.
 TVA will purchase all of the green energy produced at 12 cents per kilowatt-hour above
the retail rate AND any fuel cost adjustments.
 All new Generation Partners participants will receive a $1,000 incentive to help offset
start-up costs.
 The customer is guaranteed payments for 10 years from the start of the agreement.

21. For You
• Lower utility bills
• Stable energy costs
• Increased property value
• Smaller carbon footprint
• Setting a “green” example
• Tax Shelter
For Environment
• Pollution free power
• No greenhouse gases
• No noise pollution
• No mining or drilling
• Less reliance on fossil/foreign fuels

22. •Price – competitive pricing through mass purchasing power.
•Service – we’re not satisfied until you’re satisfied.
•Quality – we treat your home as if it were our own.