Solar-powered office still futuristic

Like homes that are powered completely by the sun, offices that use solar power as their only source of energy are a thing of the future.

According to Jennifer Harrison of Altair Energy, the popular solar powered systems being installed still only meet one-quarter of a home’s energy needs.

“Buildings that are energy efficient have greater potential,” Harrison said, “but they are still connected to utility lines.”

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She suggested that a more practical application for solar power is as a back-up energy source. If Public Service Co. has a black out, those with solar power and the ability to store it won’t be left sitting in the dark.

While Altair Energy, a solar electric energy-service provider based in Golden, plans to market more to businesses, most of their clients currently are schools or residents. Through Altair, the average system for a residential customer would cost $10,000 to $15,000 for 1.5 to 2 kilowatts of power, Harrison said.

Altair uses photovoltaics (PV), a series of 4-foot by 4-foot panels attached flush to house tops or to the ground that convert sunlight into electricity. PV panels contain cells made of silicon, a semiconductor material. The cells are light-sensitive and produce an electrical current in the presence of sunlight.

Unlike the solar hot-water systems on the rooftops of Colorado households, PV systems are thin and less bulky. The technology has been used in satellites for more than 40 years but has only recently become affordable for more common use. According to Greg Kern of Ascension Technology in Boulder, PV is the best solar heating system created so far. Improvements will come in cutting costs and making the systems easier to use, he said.

“Trying to lower the cost per watt is the focus,” Kern said.

Ascension Technology, a division of Applied Power Corp., is working on a PV module that cuts the cost per watt to $4 to $6. The module further cut costs because installation by a technician isn’t necessary.

“Anyone with handyman-type skills can do it,” Kern said.

The product isn’t yet on the market.

Those using PV solar power include the U.S. Federal Courthouse and the University of Wisconsin. Home-builder McStain Enterprises Inc. of Boulder markets solar electricity by featuring PV systems with back-up power capabilities on the model home at the Preserve at MeadowView in Longmont. McStain’s 2,100 model home features a 1.2 kilowatt PV system that will meet one-third of an energy-conscious family’s needs. In cause of an outage, the system’s back-up features will power one outlet in each room, the refrigerator, kitchen lights and furnace blower. Such a system costs about $11,000.

Public Service supports PV though a partnership with Altair Energy. The two market solar-electric services to homes and businesses in the region. Called Solarsource, the program can help utility customers cash in on state rebates available through the Colorado Office of Energy Conservation. Altair Energy and Public Service also have teamed up to provide energy for as many as 40 Colorado schools by the end of next year.