Cedars, January 2019

January 2019 12 ANALYSIS Solar Panels: Past and Future Cedars looks at the role of renewable energy in light of stewarding God’s creation by Jacob Oedy I n 1953, a new and incredible era dawned. At least, that’s what the staff of the New York Times asserted when sci- entists Calvin Fuller, Gerald Pearson and Daryl Chapin discoveredasiliconcellthatconvertedlightintousable energy Those journalists heralded a new age in which civilization was powered through the endless light of the sun. More than 55 years later, the vision of a solar-powered civilization has yet to be realized. For the majority of families and companies, solar en- ergy has not yet emerged as the preferred energy provider. Despite being home to 112 solar manufacturers, only 0.24 percent of Ohio’s energy is generated by solar technology according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Cedarville ecology professor Dr. Mark Gathany under- stands the disparity between the numbers. “It’s always supply and demand,” Gathany said. “We have the supply for facilities and a work force that can do the work and probably some tax incentives to get people here too.” Local demand has not yet risen to match the supply. While Gathany cited the typical cycle of Ohio weather, cloudy and windy, as a factor in low solar installation, he also mentioned a more concrete and widespread issue with the industry. “Cost is still a big thing,” said Gathany. “It’s one thing to look at an energy and heating bill of $100-$300 a month as opposed to a $25,000 one-time install cost, and most people don’t have that in their savings. … On a kilowatt-per -our basis, it’s more inline. It’s just that upfront cost.” To persuade companies and people to consider solar energy, the federal and state governments offer tax incen- tives for installing solar arrays. Several years ago, Cedarville University capitalized on government incentives and pre- pared to create its own solar array near campus. The univer- sity purchased the property in 2012 and leased the ground to a company for the construction of the solar panels. “The agreements were all signed and in place New Year’s Eve of 2012, and construction began in January,” said Rod Johnson, associate vice president of operations. “A portion of the array was completed and online by April, and by May the project was completed.” Since then, the 5-acre array has been maintained and managed by a third party, while supplying a portion of the university’s annual energy. “The conservative estimate is 10 percent of our annual en- ergy,” said Gathany. “On a really good year, maybe it’s closer to 15 percent. On a nice fall or spring day, it may supply almost all of our energy … [it’s] performing at or above expectations.” According to university estimates, Cedarville is saving ap- proximately $20,000 per year with the solar facility. Beyond saving on energy expenses, Cedarville has benefited from the solar array in several other areas, including academia. “Some of the engineering classes will go over and talk about how it’s set up and how the energy’s transferred to the campus,” said Gathany, who recently developed a new course title Environment: Science, Sustainability, and Stew- ardship. “We’re going to talk a lot about renewable energies and incorporating the solar array,” said Gathany. The new course will also explore the ethics and economics of renew- able, fossil and solar energy. Finally, Gathany sees the use of solar energy as an op- portunity to exercise financial and environmental steward- ship by producing less pollution. He says that individuals should educate themselves on the potential side effects of different energy sources before deciding what to use. “If there are negative impacts to other people and to God’s world, is there a better option?” Gathany questioned. “I think it’s an important consideration as a follower of Christ to be mindful of what God’s given to you in all aspects … we need to be responsible with it.” While the university has made good use of the solar array, the question still remains whether solar energy will spread to individuals and smaller organizations. “There’s certainly some good movement in solar as well,” Gathany said. “The technology is really advancing. Just in the last few months there was a new breakthrough in terms of storing the energy and the photovoltaic cells. … All of those advancements bring the cost down.” According to Gathany, advancing technology and in- creasing government incentives may lead to a more bal- anced use of the different types of energy. “That’s where the future is,” said Gathany. “A mix. It’s not going to be one or the other.” Jacob Oedy is a freshman journalism major and a staff writer for off-campus news and arts and entertainment. He enjoys creative writing, quoting TV shows, and hang- ing out with the best hall on campus, Brock 3 East. Photo by Lauren Jacobs Hundreds of solar panels just minutes away from campus partially power Cedarville University.