CEGE Journal

ISBN

Investigate the Use of Solar Energy Into Small Houses For Sustainable Living

Airiel Rosmer Matias Cantanero,Jerome Manuel,

Christian Louis Noquis,Ruby Leizel Ragucos
Bernard Villaverde

MAPUA UNIVERSITY
School of Civil, Environmental, and Geological Engineering
cnoquis@yahoo.com

August 2016
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Abstract

This research project is about the solar energy. We will investigate the impacts, ways or methods,
and the applications of solar energy in order to have a sustainable living. To evaluate these aspects,
we are conducting a survey to the homeowners who are still using typical source of electricity and
power. First, questionnaires are to be given on a random respondents and then the data collected will
tell us how solar energy is essential for living. These questionnaires contain about how the
respondents are experiencing the “typical” source of their electricity and how that electricity source
affects their electricity bills. After the survey process, the data gathered will be able to help us how
to construct a factual statement about the use of solar power rather than the typical source of power.
In accordance to environmental issues, this research project also evaluates the impacts of not using
renewable energy such as solar power as a source of energy and why it is beneficial to use. After
that, this paper will set some examples on how solar energy is applied in our homes for efficient use.
Methods on how to use the solar energy is also discussed in the paper. This aspects will lead to the
groups conclusion and proposal on using solar power technology for sustainable living.

Keywords: Solar Energy, Renewable Energy,Ways,Methods,Beneficial

Definition of terms

Array of mirrors – this mirrors focuses the sun’s rays

upon a collector tower.

battery capacity – expressed in ampere-hours, it is the

maximum capacity that the battery can store and
deliver to a load.

Photovoltaics – the direct conversion of light coming

from the sun into electricity

Photovoltaic cell – it is the smallest semiconductor

element that perform the immediate conversion of
light to electricity.

Photovoltaic panel – often used with PV module but

more accurately used to refer a physically connected
collection of modules.

Photovoltaic system – complete set of components for

converting sunlight into electricity.
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1 Introduction

The main objective of this research is to investigate the use solar energy into small
houses for sustainable living. This study will be conducted here in the Philippines where we
will ask the ordinary homeowners about their electricity consumption using the typical source
of power. This study aims to inform everyone that solar power is essential for sustainable
living. This study will discuss a lot about the use of photovoltaics, which is a process of
conversion of light (energy) coming from the Sun into usable electricity. Because solar energy
is a renewable energy source, the impacts of this to the environment is found to be non-harming
as it does not generate pollution and in the process of conversion of light (energy) from the Sun
into usable electricity, it also does not also require any moving parts therefore no noise is
produced during the process. However, there are still some cons about the solar energy such as
its initial price and the process of manufacturing the cells. This aspects are also discussed in
this paper. Overall, using solar energy is found to be beneficial especially when you start right
away as it will save a lot in terms of your electricity bills. It is found that Solar Energy becomes
a great investment as fossil fuels and other sources especially oil has a varying price, whereas
solar power is free and the only direct cost of the solar power is the initial cost and the simple
maintenance.

1.1 Background and Problem Motivation

On the early stage of conducting travel time and delay study, the manual method is
being used. The old method utilizes stopwatch in recording travel time of a test vehicle
wherein observers are stationed on the beginning and end of the study section. Such method
requires intensive effort and longer period of observations from the personnel involved.
Moreover, the data collected from the field survey depends on the observers‟ discernment.
Thus, the study is vulnerable to human errors that may lead to inaccuracy of the expected
results. As years go by, the need of much easier, faster yet accurate method to adapt to the
progressing world became bigger. With the rise of technology, Global Positioning System
(GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) as well as the other Intelligent
Transportation Systems (ITS) in conducting travel time and delay study have been imminent.

España Boulevard is a major thoroughfare that connects Manila and Quezon City. As
part of Metro Manila, the route paves way to different areas of trade and commerce. Also,
several public utility vehicles (PUV) ply along the route especially for students and
employees going to their respective destinations. Hence, during a.m. and p.m. peak hours,
traffic congestion is to be expected. The worsening build-up of traffic during peak hours is
caused by several factors which might have been overlooked by past researchers. For this
reason, the study is geared up on collecting and processing travel time and delay data to
analyze further and display traffic conditions along España Boulevard.
1.2 Objectives

The main objective of this research is to investigate the impacts of using solar energy
into small houses.

Specifically the study will address the following:

1) Identify the disadvantage of not using renewable energy.

2) Distinguish the importance and impacts of using solar energy into design and
construction of houses.
3) Determine methods and applications that will be used.
4) Improvise ways on how solar energy can be applied on existing houses.
5) Propose that using solar energy is more beneficial.
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1.3 Scope and Limitations

This study covers only solar energy as the type of renewable energy and mainly focuses
on its benefits and impacts in 20 houses that resides in Metro Manila. The house must be using
solar energy and do not have any source of renewable energy to be qualified as a subject for
this study.
The limitations of this study is that only solar energy must be considered in a house so
that it can qualified in our study and it must be in Manila only.

2 Review of Related Works

In this section, the use of solar energy is further discussed by citing several
related studies. This section highlights renewable energy,solar energy, methods,ways, and
beneficial; survey methodologies; and related studies involving the use of solar energy into
small houses.

2.1 Renewable Energy

In terms of technology, solar power is the hottest thing these days with project
applications expanding from ground-mounted solar farms to rooftop applications in malls,
factories, stand-alone restaurants, schools, hospitals, office buildings, waiting sheds, parking
spaces, and charging stations for e-vehicles. These are considered “distributed” power
(generated at the site where it will be used).1

1 Riza T. Olchondr. New growth areas for renewable energy

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Feri G. Lumampao, Victoria Lopez and Lisa Go2 Several meetings were conducted,
especially in the project orientation and planning phase, during the preparation of the interview
schedule, and while writing the report which involved young researchers and several reviews
involving gender and energy experts in the country.Community-based renewable energy (RE)
projects have been shown to provide greater accessibility to community members in remote
areas. Through two case studies, this report aims to document the role of women in community
projects and the impacts of RE projects on women in the areas of production, reproduction and
community participation.

2.2 Solar Energy

Methodology used was in the form of a 4 different types of research that aimed to
study all aspects of different factors contributing to the final decisions.Households are
encouraged to invest in solar panels with schemes that the government has in place as part
their battle to cut emission and tackle climate change. The objective of this research project
was to find out if investing in solar panels is an realistic option for household in the UK.3

Solar energy is the energy that is more available in the society. Even if it is made
available hundreds of years ago, it is one of the least used types of renewable energy. It only
supplies 0.00001% solar radiation. However, through the development of technology and
research, the use of solar energy and photovoltaics is progressing. By this, solar energy is
expected to be widely used and can be the primary source of energy and therefore eliminating
the use of fossil fuel energy.4

2.3 Methods

There are contractors who build different types of systems applying solar power into it
– solar hot water systems, pool heating systems and electric systems. To install any of these
solar construction project systems, the first thing to do is engineering, and then procurement
and permitting. Engineering involves the company’s electrical and structural engineering and
considering certain factors such as wind loading and soil type or conditions. Next is the
procurement of the materials, like screws that are customized that can penetrate the shell and
ground. Then ground screws are installed. The panels were mounted to the racks. Mounting
system is the first thing to be installed once the materials arrive on site. After the mounting
system, solar modules and the inverters are to be installed. Once everything is installed, the
system is inspected to make sure that it meets local standards. Finally, companies will then talk
to the customers and train them on how to manipulate and maintain the system. 5
2 Feri G. Lumampao, Victoria Lopez and Lisa Go.GENDER AND RENEWABLE ENERGY
IN THE PHILIPPINES: A community-based microhydro project in Kalinga and a PV-
battery charging station in Southern Leyte1
3 Heiðrún Ásta Guðmundsdóttir (1978). Solar Panels as an option for households in the
UK.
4 C. Julian Chen. Physics of Solar Energy
5 Valentin A. Araneta (2016). The rise of solar energy
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Solar energy is considered to be a secure investment. Consider a household that is using

solar power source. At first, it is true that investment in solar power source is quite expensive.
But it is proven worthy as the years past. Even up to this time and situation, with the use of
simple Math, we can already calculate the production of electricity and by that, we can also
know at what price will it be for the next years (fixed energy cost). So it is worth the risk in
engaging with solar power as our source of electricity because it is really a secure investment
which is very beneficial in our part.6

Solar energy has been noted to give more than it takes from its users proving to be a
healthier alternative to the more traditional sources of power. There are many benefits to be
derived from switching over to solar energy and the very first benefit from utilizing solar
energy is that it is readily available to anyone as long as they know where to look.7

2.4 Related Studies

David Pimentel, Megan Herz, Michele Glickstein, Matthew Zimmerman, Richard
Aleen, Katrina Becker, Jeff Evans, Benita Hussain, Ryan Sarsfeld, Anat Grosfeld, Thomas
Seidel claimed that Renewable energy provides a big potential to provide countries with an
alternative type of renewable energy. This is enough supply to provide half the future of United
States needs. To be able to achieve the use of renewable energy, the United States of America
should participate in implementing the use of harmful fuel technologies and should learn
conservation of energy. Regulating the use of non-fossil fuel technologies can help solve and
lessen environmental problems.8
Robert Ferry and Elizabeth Monoian stated that the Renewable energy helped in
creating new innovations and advancements. It also helped in brining out positive impacts to
the environment and supply will not run out. Even if the supply is always there, due to
destruction and global warming, there are consequences that we will face. It is now that we
should take action in increasing awareness in the use of renewable energy that can help our life
easier.9

6 Mathias AarreMaehlu. Energy Informative

7 Nikki Chua, Solenergy Systems Inc. The Many Benefits of Utilizing Solar Energy
8 David Pimentel, Megan Herz, Michele Glickstein, Matthew Zimmerman, Richard Aleen,
Katrina Becker, Jeff Evans, Benita Hussain, Ryan Sarsfeld, Anat Grosfeld, Thomas Seidel
9 Robert Ferry and Elizabeth Monoian
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Nina Terp (2016) believed Solar energy will continue to be important according to experts.
The advantages of using solar energy is it is free, abundant and usable in different ways and is safe
to the environment. It also shows that it can save metric tons of CO2. Using solar energy has a great
potential and because of the technology of solar power plants, investors are willing to risk
investing.

According to Nikki Chua of solar panel inc. using of solar panels in the Philippines was
habitually see as something of a expensive;it seemed as if only rich people can afford it or huge
corporations could truly profit from it. The ordinary people believed the same thing – that it’s
high-priced and inappropriate for everyday use, especially for privately own residences or
small businesses. These have been long proven to be false.
To tell you the truth, solar energy has been renowned to give greater than on what it
takes from its users proving to be a well different to the more conventional sources of power.
There are many advantages to be gained from shifting around to solar energy and the very first
advantage from making use of solar energy is that it is willingly obtainable to anyone as long
as they know where to look.

3 Methodology

In this part of the paper, the disadvantage of not using renewable energy is discussed.
The group has cited some household owners who are still not engaging in renewable energy
and recorded their electricity bills. The possible outcome of not using renewable energy as
soon as possible in the environment and for the future generation was also discussed in this
part of the paper. Particularly, the impacts and reliability of using solar energy has been cited
as well as its negative side. After citing all the impacts and testing the reliability of solar power,
the methods and application of solar energy was then discussed. Improvisation of usage of
solar energy was also included in this paper. And finally, the proposal of the paper which
indicates the use of solar energy was then concluded.

11 Faghri, A., & Hamad, K. (2002). Travel Time, Speed, and Delay Analysis using
an Integrated GIS/GPS System. University of Delaware. Newark, DE: NRC Research Press.
12 Mauricio, I. C., Santos, R. C., Regidor, J. R. F., & Tiglao, N. C. C. (2003). Travel Time

and Delay Analysis using GIS and GPS. In: 5th Eastern Asia Society for Transportation
Studies (EASTS) Conference.
13 Belliss, G. (2004). Detailed Speed and Travel Time Surveys using Low Cost
GPS Equipment. In: IPENZ Transportation Group Technical Conference.
14Arenas, B.C.P., Cabalquinto, M.C.A., & Cabreros, C.P.C. (2015). Queue Time
Investigation of Public Transportation along España Boulevard Incorporating Geographic
Information System (GIS). Mapúa Institute of Technology Intramuros, Manila City,
Philippines.
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Study Setting Field Procedure Data Processing

•Site Control •Sample •Exporting GPS
Points •Time Size •Data Data •Worksheet
Period Collection Computations
•GPS Device •Manual
(Stopwatch)
•Automatic
(GPS)
Data Presentation
•Tables and
Graphs Output Evaluation
•Generating
•Comparing GPS &
Corridor Speed
Maps Stopwatch
•Hypothesis
Testing
•Analysis of Means,
Variances, and
Distributions
•Identifying Causes
of Delays
 FIGURE 3.1: Research Framework of the Study

3.1 Identification of Advantages of using Solar Energy

3.1.1 Cite existing/ examples of 20 household owners who are using solar energy

The summer heat in the Philippine is getting higher, as far as I know you will ask
yourselves on how to manage your increasing electricity usage.
So, why you are not using any solar energy? when it is easy to make a do it yourself
on-grid solar power plant on your roof?You can power Electric fans, laptops, LCD Televisions
and also you can charge your cellphones by using micro solar power generation without the
use a lot of money from your wallet.
Unrestricted electricity can provide around 1960 watts-hr by a 500 watts system (2 x
250 watts) in the month of summer.
A 1960 watts-hr is approximately equivalent to running one of the following
appliances: 16" Electric fan -10 hours or 24 hours; 2x Air cooler / Humidifier -10 hours or 24
hours; 10x 18 watts CFL Lighting - 10 hours or 24 hours; 10 Cu Ft Refrigerator -12 hours or
24 hours; 40" TV Set -9 hours or 24 hours; Desk top computer -9 hours or almost 24 hours;
Cellphone chargers – 24hours
It is so easy to install the system and it is almost plug and play. The only equipment
you need are micro-grid inverter,solar panel and a breaker.
28

3.1.2 Record/Calculate their electricity bills

An area in the absence of access to electrical grid, off grid solar produce electricity
bring about simply because there is no barometer of the cost of electricity in that area like in
visayas. But inside the city limits or inside an area that have access to meralco or collective
distribution grid, there is a barometer how off grid solar electricity should cost.
The average variable cost of grid electricity is P12 per kW-hr.We can say it is a wise
investment if the grid electricity cost greater than off grid solar electricity cost.
So how much is the cost off grid system?The main components of off grid solar are
solar panel, charge controller, power inverter and batteries. And the ancillary equipment
(termed as balance of system or BOS in geek speak) as follows: mounting bracket,
junction/panel boxes, breakers and switches.
The power requirement to supply a desktop computer (230 watts) and electric fan (100
watts) for at least 6 hours a day we need at least 1980 watt-hour. A 500 watt off grid system is
required for load requirement.To sum up the apparatus needed for the system and the cost of
the main apparatus. For a 500 watts-peak off grid system the parts you need are 5 x 100 watts
solar panels – polycrystalline the price is 35,375.00 pesos, a 40 amps solar charge controller
(MPPT type) the price is 19,656.00 pesos, a 2000 watts inverter (Pure sine wave) the price is
12,298.72 pesos, a 3 x 120 AH motolite solar master the price is 24,120.00 pesos. The total
cost of 500 watts-peak off grid system 91,449.00 pesos.Ancillary equipment price and labor
are not included here.Cost of off grid solar electricity per kW-hr produce.The off grid solar
electricity for the 1st year operation should be calculated to make a cost comparison to
meralco prices. We can produce a 648 kw-hr of electricity on the average 500 watts-peak off
grid system.The cost of off grid solar electricity shown above is not promising because the
average grid electricity cost is only 12 pesos per kW-hr. But the system will not only used in
just 1 year.The biggest disadvantages of off grid solar, you need to maintained batteries and
replace it over a period of time because of deterioration. It Should be replaced by the equal
number of batteries and it can replace piece by piece. It was intended with a depth of
discharge of 50% for the 500 watts-peak offgrid system. A 3 units of 120 AH Motolite Solar
Masterhas a battery bank. With a specific performance of 50% depth of discharged, it is
estimate to last 5 years. So that the cost of replacement are at least 24,120 pesos for 5th year of
operation.In this calculation the future battery cost are not impose.
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3.1.3 Discuss the negative effects of not using renewable energy to the environment

We need to study the entire perspective if we regard the true value of energy, not just
the amount of our utility bill.Traditional fuels have true environmental, economic, and social
effects. There are yearly and increasing costs that originate from all of the substance that
contaminates air, water, or soil produce from mining, processing, and carrying fossil fuels that
affects our environment and our public health. Electricity extracted from natural gas and coal
will never be allowed to exceed the energy and frequent resources needed to generate it.
Dissimilar to conventional or traditional energy sources, Photovoltaic systems create clean
electricity for decades after receiving their energy reward in three or a smaller number of
years—this is truly the captivating of photovoltaic technology.
Grid electricity can paid for us as we use it, with payments expanding out constantly.
In contradistinction, the larger part of photovoltaic system cost are paid for at the time the
system is ready for use. After that, the energy is basically free. In completely economic terms,
the gain or loss of your investment for photovoltaic system rely on three things—electricity
prices; solar resource; and state policies or incentives. While many company sell electricity at
reasonable rates, general increase of price as well as energy price history and forecasts shows
price grow in our future, which will make renewable energy systems’ return the investment
even quicker. Edison Electric Institute reported a historical data from 1929 to 2005 shows that
the average yearly price grows for electricity has been 2.94 percent per year.And as stated by
the Energy Information Administration’s June 2008 Short Term Energy Outlook, utility cost
are estimated to rise by an average of 3.7% in 2008 and by an extra of 3.6% in 2009. Federal
tax credits for renewable energy systems are available, lessen a renewable energy system’s cost,
and numerous states, regions, and companies also provide considerable rebates, production-
based incentives ,tax immunity, loans, tax credit and other economic incitement for solar-
electric systems.
 The state of being independent is the main reason for insufficient off-grid photovoltaic
system where the grid is obtainable. The terms and policies of the local utility are not being
discussed in off-grid systems, neither are system holder expose to rate inflation, failure of
electrical power supply. Off-grid parcels are not so much expensive if you are purchasing for
rural property.Being off-grid can also be inexpensive than getting from a electric company
extended to a property.
When examining the energy options between the wind and water, grid or solar sources
it begin to be clearly visible that solar energy is a very popular form of energy. Because the
shining of the sun are everywhere, the possible of effective use of solar energy is accessible to
everyone. Photovoltaic systems have no movable parts, they are exceptionally dependable and
require very slightly maintenance.

3.1.4 Discuss the possible outcome in the future if renewable energy was

At present, we are getting energy from fuels such as oil, gas, coal, nuclear, word and
other sources. Solar, wind and water are other types of energy but they are needed to be
converted by machines in order to be used. In some countries, energy is wasted due to
unproductive design or equipments. The primary energy source used today are non-renewable.
In summary, all of these type of energy have different impacts and effects on the environment.
But each of them has its own differences. It is important to think of other sustainable energy
future has not yet been found. We do not believe that these dilemmas have yet been addressed
by the international ways to sustain energy to be used in the future. A generally acceptable
pathway to a safe and community.

3.2 Importance and Impacts of using Solar Energy

3.2.1 Test of the reliability of solar energy in construction of houses.

By installing PV system, homeowners can reduce the effect of any electric energy price
changes caused by the continuous movement in fossil fuel global market. Since the beginning,
it is known that the energy production of solar PV systems is bonded to be available for an
investment. Throughout the years, solar photovoltaic system’s actual payback period could get
down. Let’s say for example in 15 years, the payback period can get down to 11 years if the
cost of energy is suddenly high.
Solar Power’s usefulness will expand. Today, Solar PV systems are commonly used
for the source of energy in either commercial or residential buildings. But technology is
emerging and electric vehicles are part of this advancement which has the potential to run full
percent on solar power. If this electric vehicles become a trend, one can maximize the use of
their solar PV system not only for their homes (for saving electricity bills), but also in saving
their cost in transportation.
3.2.2 Impacts regarding the use of solar energy.

The environmental impact of solar panels is negligible for the most of their lifespan once
they are connected on the roof. But solar panels are manufactured first which needs recycling and
other process which makes them not negligible for the rest of their lifespan.

Because of this, several researchers made a concept EPBT (energy payback time), in which
it will calculate and measure how long solar panels can make clean electricity in return when they
are in the manufacturing stage, which varies on different factors including: (a) solar panels
productivity- ex. If you live in an area which has more exposure in sunlight, and you have an
efficient solar panels, then the EPBT will be shorter because the electricity produced is
high;(b) how your solar panels are made -there are solar panels that require different amount of
energy in order to produce the product such as thin-filmed modules which produce less carbon
footprint during manufacturing because it requires less energy in order to make the product,
contrary to silicon modules; (c) location of manufacturing – solar panels is transported from one
place to another beginning from the place where they are manufactured to where they are going to
be connected or installed (ex. Solar panels are manufactured in the Philippines and to be
connected/installed in the US, this requires more energy, thus making a high EPBT).

To conclude everything about the reliability of solar energy, its environmental impact is
minimal but still considerable when it comes to the location of manufacturing, or how they are
efficient when used. You have several options in order to choose which solar equipment you will
use, finding the best one for less environmental impact.
3.2.3 Pros and cons of using solar energy.

Pros of using solar energy

The following are the positive side of solar energy: (a) solar energy is a renewable
energy source. This means that we cannot run out of solar energy, as opposed to non-
renewable energy sources (e.g. fossil fuels, coal and nuclear); (b) an abundant and renewable
energy source is also sustainable; (c) harnessing solar energy does generally not cause
pollution; (d) Solar energy is available all over the world; (e) Solar energy can less electricity
bills; (f) Solar energy can be used for many different purposes; (g) there are no moving parts
involved in most applications of solar power. There is no noise associated with photovoltaics;
(h) the majority of today`s solar power systems do not required a lot of maintenance; (i)
technological advancements are constantly being made in the solar power industry.
Innovation in nanotechnology and quantum physics has the potential to triple the electrical
output of solar panels.

Cons of using solar energy

The following are the negative side of solar energy: (a) solar power is expensive
because they have only been used on a comparatively small scale so far. However, the prices
of conventional energy sources do not include the costs of environmental and climate
damage; (b) solar energy is an intermittent energy source. Access to sunlight is limited at
certain times (e.g. morning and night); (c) energy storage systems such as batteries will help
smoothen out demand and load, making solar power more stable, but these technologies are
also expensive; (d) while solar power certainly is less polluting than fossil fuels, some
problems do exist. Some manufacturing processes are associated with greenhouse gas
emissions; (e) certain solar cells require materials that are expensive and rare in nature; (f)
solar power plants requires space
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3.3 Methods and Applications

3.3.1 Determine the methods in installing and maintaining solar power systems.

There are a lot of considerations in home solar electric or photovoltaic system. First is
how much sun power is accessible. This is important since this will supply the energy to the
system. Second, how big the system needs to be in order to supply electric needs. Here we can
have an overview on the energy consumption of the structure and will indicate how much
power is needed. Third is the system siting wherein the location of the system will be indicated
and how much space it will be requiring. Fourth is deciding if the person wants the system to
be connected to the grid or not. Lastly, precautions will be made to ensure that the system is
safe.
Accurately sizing the Home Solar Electric System can help ensure the supply of the
needed energy for the system. It will indicate how much energy you want to produce. This is
important for stand-alone systems since it is not connected to the grid and it is modular, you
can always add energy to the solar energy collector. The first step in sizing is determining what
portion of the current electricity needs the photovoltaic system would meet. This can be done
by examining past electricity bills and determining the size needed.
The orientation and tilt of the PV modules will affect the output of the system. Modules
should be oriented geographically in order to maximize the amount of daily and seasonal solar
energy that it can receive. It can also be positioned 45 degrees east or west of south without
affecting the performance of the system. Mounting the modules on the roof requires checking
the factors such as the roof orientation and condition, local landscape features that will collect
the energy and lastly, local weather conditions such as foggy mornings or cloudy afternoons
that may affect the energy supply. Most photovoltaic modules are mounted flat on the roof of
the establishment. It is necessary to check the roof angle in the performance calculations in
sizing the system.
Maintaining Home Solar Electric system requires routine and periodic maintenance.
The system may also require frequent repair or replacement. The efficiency of the system will
depend on the periodic check of the components of the system and completion of any
maintenance if needed. It is important to have a connection and constant communication with
the system installer since in times of system malfunction, troubleshooting and repair is needed.
However,the user of the system can carry out routine inspection and maintenance itself if the
user is knowledgeable enough about the system. If not, contact the system provider right away.
3.3.2 Existing applications of solar energy

Some of the existing applications of solar energy are in conventional power plants; non-
renewable energy such as solar energy can be used to boil the water and form stream so that
the turbines can rotate therefore producing electricity. Next is for residential homes wherein
residential appliances can be used through the power of solar energy. Through photovoltaic
cells installed on the roof of the house, energy is captured and stored on batteries for
consumption throughout the day. This can also help in reducing electric bills. Third is for the
commercial use wherein glass photovoltaic modules or any other kind of solar panel can be
found on the roof of houses. These panels will collect energy then converted to electricity and
allow offices to use the energy for different purposes. Fourth application is supplying for
ventilation system. It helps in supplying energy to fans that control moisture and smell in homes
and also take out heat in the kitchen. Fifth application is power pump. Through solar energy, it
can help circulate water in the building. Connecting the power pump through the solar power
supply can help circulate the flow of water. The sixth application of solar energy is on
swimming pools. There are solar blankets that can be installed on swimming pools therefore
supplying hot water making it enjoyable for people even on different kinds of seasons and
weather conditions. Seventh application is the application on solar lighting. These lights store
natural energy in daytime and then convert it to electricity providing power to lampposts.
Eighth application is the application on solar cars. A solar car is a type of electrical vehicle
recharged from solar energy. Solar panels are installed in the car to absorb light and then
convert it into electrical energy. This electrical energy is stored in batteries. Lastly, solar energy
can be stored in batteries so that even during nighttime, people from remote areas can still
access light.

3.4 Improvisation of usage

3.4.1 Discussion on how to improvise the use of solar power in our homes

Since the bad impacts of using fossil fuels are already proven especially to our
environment, the demand and the interest of homeowners in renewable energy, primarily solar
and wind energy, is rising. The advancement in technology helps to make these renewable
energy more affordable to most of the people.
There are guides that offer ideas on how to make your own solar panels and wind
turbines from scratch and apply them into your home as a home-built solar or wind power
system that can be paired with a grid-tie interface that can allow net-metering or battery storage
system.
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Power System is one of those guide that you can use. Its quite
ambitious among all the guides available in the market that includes five-part system by David
Knight: (1) Build Your Own Solar Generator; (2) Build Your Own Wind Generator; (3) Build
Your Own Batteries; (4) Make Your Own Biodiesel; and (5) Build Your Own House.
3.4.2 Cite some effective ways on how we can use solar energy.

Also, the battery is not the only way to store the energy harnessed from the sun. There
are still at least two ways to do it. The first way is the use of heat capacity of molten salt at a
high temperature. It is the liquid configuration of an ionic compound such as sodium chloride.
This works by transferring the heat from the molten salt to water. This is done by using a heat
exchanger to generate steam to drive a turbine.
The second way is the application of sunlight to make a fuel. For instance, a photo
electrochemical cell uses solar energy to break water into two gases (hydrogen and oxygen)
which can be stored as fuels. In a fuel cell, these gases are combined again to make electricity.
The fascinating feature of this method is that the byproduct of the fuel cell reaction is simply
water.
It is important that the sun can also be used to heat a storage of water directly located
outside of our homes, which we can use for showering or for washing. This is commonly done
in developing parts of the world.All the ways discussed are for the small scale applications
only. For this reason, it is good to innovate more about other ways of storing the harnessed
energy from the sun and convert it to make usable electricity. This innovations could help make
our lives much easier and it can also help the future generation.
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3.5 Propose the Use of Solar Energy

3.5.1 Proposal of using renewable energy/ solar energy in particular as a source of power and
electricity.

In this proposal, solar energy is defined as a type of renewable energy that is

impossible to use up completely and is permanent. Solar energy also emits less environmental
burden. The proposal presents the applications, impacts, and the expanded benefits of using
solar power, some knowledge concerning the output of renewable energy necessary to
achieve a low-emitter of carbon.

4 Results and Discussions

Table shows the amount of watthour needed by each appliance in Mr. Ricardo
Cunanan's household, which is a typical example of a small house. From this, the amount of
watt needed in the household daily is calculated using the formula, (watthour= watt needed x
efficiency x radiance time).Each solar panel produces 250 watts daily. The number of panels
needed in a household is then computed using (number of 250 watts panel=watt needed divided
by 250)If the solar panel installation costs P178,750.00, the return of investment can be then
computed as ROI = Initial Investment / Electricity Cost per Year.
As a basis of the Monthly Electricity cost, an average of the electricity cost of Mr.
Cunanan's household equal to P2000.00 will be used. Using this, the ROI is
computed.ROI=P178750 / (P2000X(12 months/year))= 7.45 years or 7 years and 6 months.The
life span of a solar panel lasts from 50 to 75 years. Assuming that the installed solar panel will
last up to 50 years, then Mr. Cunanan can save the electricity cost for 42 years and 6 months
amounting to P1020000. This amount can be used by their family to pay for the other living
costs and will help the family save money.
4.1 Statistical Treatment

In this study, we will be using percentages, a type of descriptive statistics wherein we

will determine the scale of the percentage of solar power based on their answer. Their answer
were defined to describe the natural and interactive characteristics of solar power. This will
show and give us the idea on the range of how many respondents answered yes or no based
on the questionnaire. Meanwhile, it exists obvious seasonal characteristics of solar power.
Solar power generation varies more frequently in winter due to more cloudy days. It could be
attributed to the low demands in some times slices of those seasons. The results of this study
could be used to assess the effect of solar power on small houses.

4.2 Data Gathering Instruments

We will be distributing questionnaire to students, faculty, engineers and parents. It is

very important to have different people to see and collect different opinions for this project.
The questions on the questionnaire are basic questions regarding their approximate monthly
income, the type of their home, awareness on climate change and solar energy techniques and
their awareness on the advantages and disadvantages of using solar energy.

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4.3 Data Gathering Procedures

We will use written questionnaires and face to face survey to gather our data that will
be use in our assessment. We will conduct our interviews to 20 houses that are regular user of
electricity that eventually change into using solar power energy. In this survey, we want to
know their electric consumption before and after installing solar panel. We will also ask for
their copy of electric bill that will be use as a data and we will take a picture of their house as
a proof.
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4.4 Respondents of the Study

The respondents of the study will be the consumers of traditional energy sources.
These respondents are residential houses that consume electricity in the Philippines.
However, the applications and methods are taken also from international respondents and
sources. Probability sampling will be used since representatives were selected in conducting
the research.
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4.5 Research Setting

This research setting of the group will be at Metro Manila, since this is the place where
20 house owners will be asked to answer the questionnaire. This is also where one on one
interviews will be conducted. For respondents outside metro manila, the data that will be
gathered from them will be brought inside Metro Manila.

4.6 Research Design

For this study, we will be distributing questionnaires to gather data and opinion of
different people. This questionnaire is created to check the type of house that they live in,
their monthly income to give a background on how much their income is, if they live in Metro
Manila or not, if they are aware of climate change and the use of solar techniques, if they
have solar panels at home and if they are willing to have them installed and lastly, if they are
aware of the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. The data that will be collected
will be used in determining if the people are aware of the effects of solar energy.

4.7 RECOMMENDATION

After obtaining the results discussed above that the answer to the problems presented
in determining if the solar power is as efficient as the source of energy, the researchers
have arrived at the following recommendation to further improve the study:

1.) The study has focused only on the efficiency of a single solar
energy. In lined with this, researchers highly recommend using
other varieties of solar power (such as solar charger etc.) as well as
considering some other factors like the amount of light present
during the research. It is recommended to use light that their output
light can be controlled such as varieties of lamps.
2.) For future project, it is recommended to consider all possible losses
(such as shading factor, in the PV system, in order to get exact
output of the PV system.
Other components/ equipment could be added to the whole PV
system such as adjustable tilt panel, to tilt the panel at different
angle in different times of the month, to capture more incoming
solar radiation.
 3.) If the future researchers may come into the probability of making
efficient source of energy, researchers recommend using highly
efficient solar panels and design a stable circuit with lesser but
effective components. Using more electronic components means
that energy is not delivered well since components absorb it to use
for their own purpose.
4.) Lastly, for future studies, it is recommended to use brand new
products and much newer materials. It is also recommended to
focus more on the possibilities of utilizing the solar energy as
future energy sources for any electrical devices.

5 Conclusion

The history of photovoltaic energy (aka. solar cells) started back in 1876. William Grylls
Adams along with a student of his, Richard Day, discovered that when selenium was exposed
to light, it produced electricity. As given earlier, this study mainly aimed at investigating the
use of solar energy into small houses. The community members’ sense of ownership, attitude
and perception of the PV solar electrification on their livelihood transformation. The findings
of this study revealed that PV solar energy is an effective alternative that can be used to light
up the small houses where the grid electricity is. Electricity is vital in bringing up development
in the country especially the rural areas. In Philippines grid electricity has not covered the
large part of the rural areas. There are mainly two reason for this; first is the distance available
from the grid to where the villages are located, and second is the fact that many people in
the rural areas cannot afford to pay electricity bills. This study proves that PV solar electricity
is the best alternative in the process of livelihood transformation.
Moreover, as given earlier, people’s sense of ownership, attitude and perceptions on
the effectiveness of solar electricity in livelihood transformation and the project were studied.
The findings from this study shows that that people’s attitude and perceptions are positive
and that people can develop the sense of ownership and commitment. Having conducted this
study in the village that had sub villages where village is electrified.. All people who were
interviewed at the household level suggested the project committee (which is the result of
their participation). It is important therefore, that the village should be supported in capacity
building and possibly be given more training on the importance of controlling the solar energy
by themselves without privatising it, and be made clear to the leaders that the project is
mainly meant to be a service to the people and not just as a source of income.
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