About half the incoming solar energy reaches the earth's surface.
Earth's land surface, oceans and atmosphere absorb solar radiation, and this raises their temperature. Warm air containing evaporated water from the oceans rises, causing atmospheric circulation or convection. When the air reaches a high altitude, where the temperature is low, water vapor condenses into clouds, which rain onto the earth's surface, completing the water cycle. The latent heat of water condensation amplifies convection, producing atmospheric phenomena such as wind, cyclones and anti-cyclones. [3] Sunlight absorbed by the oceans and land masses keeps the surface at an average temperature of 14 °C By photosynthesis green plants convert solar energy into chemical energy, which produces food, wood and the biomass from which fossil fuels are derived.
The total solar energy absorbed by Earth's atmosphere, oceans and land masses is approximately 3,850,000 exajoules (EJ) per year. In 2002, this was more energy in one hour than the world used in one year.Photosynthesis captures approximately 3,000 EJ per year in biomass.[14] The amount of solar energy reaching the surface of the planet is so vast that in one year it is about twice as much as will ever be obtained from all of the Earth's non-renewable resources of coal, oil, natural gas, and mined uranium combined.
From the table of resources it would appear that solar, wind or biomass would be sufficient to supply all of our energy needs, however, the increased use of biomass has had a negative effect on global warming and dramatically increased food prices by diverting forests and crops into biofuel production. As intermittent resources, solar and wind raise other issues.
A pier on Myrtle Beach
Updated February 2010
South Carolina is home to waterfalls, lakes, and the Blue Ridge mountains as well as amazing beaches and coastal resorts. The Palmetto state is also filled with historical sites dating back to the Civil War and the Revolution. Using clean energy will keep the waters clear and the skies above blue. Read on to see what the state legislature has done to promote solar and other renewable power sources.
STATE LEGISLATION
In 2007, the South Carolina legislature passed Senate Bill 243, an overhaul of its omnibus renewable energy policy. It includes tax credits for solar electricity systems. The legislature also passed the South Carolina Renewable Energy Grant Program. What does it do? Well, it offers up to $200,000 to build renewable energy demonstration systems, including solar photovoltaic electricity and solar water heating systems.
NET-METERING
South Carolina has yet to develop a net-metering plan, although the Public Service Commission has set rules for the interconnection of residential systems up to 20kW and business systems up to 100kW.
STATE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, UTILITY REBATES, UTILITY LOANS, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES
In 2007, the state legislature passed Senate Bill 243, which gives some tax credits for installing solar electricity systems. Individuals and businesses are allowed a tax credit amounting to 25% of the cost of their system, but this is capped at $3,500 (or 50% of the individual’s or business’s tax liability). 2007 also brought the South Carolina Renewable Energy Grant Program, designed to fund demonstration projects for solar electricity among other things.
Check out these other South Carolina solar rebates and incentives:
Corporate Tax Credit
* Solar Energy Tax Credit – Corporate
Personal Tax Credit
* Solar Energy Tax Credit – Personal
Sales Tax Exemption
* Sales Tax Exemption for Hydrogen Fuel Cells
State Grant Program
* Renewable Energy Grant Program
State Loan Program
* Renewable Energy Revolving Loan Program
Utility Loan Program
* Santee Cooper – Good Cents Energy Efficiency Loan Program
* Santee Cooper – Renewable Energy Resource Loans
Utility Rate Discount
* Progress Energy – Rate Discount for Energy Star Homes
* Santee Cooper – Residential Good Cents Energy Efficiency Rate Discount Program
Utility Rebate Program
* Palmetto Electric Cooperative – Buried Treasure Rebate Program
EXAMPLE 3KW SYSTEM – HOME INSTALLATION COST
A typical 3kW solar electricity system installed in Columbia would cost around $24,000 (We’re assuming $8/watt installed cost.) After state ($3,500) and federal tax credits ($8,000), the net cost could be around $12,500. South Carolina has a solar rating of Good, so with that much sun falling on your solar panels, the system should pay for itself in under 10-15 years, depending on how fast electric rates rise. All that time, you’ll be saving over $1,000 each year on your utility bills and adding over $13,000 to the value of your home. Best of all, you know that you’re keeping tons of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere.
CONSENSUS
The South Carolina legislature has taken some important, though small steps toward developing renewable energies in general and solar power in particular. Offering tax credits for the installation of solar panels and giving grants for demonstration initiatives should help get the ball rolling for the state’s renewable energy market, but much more needs to be done.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM CREDIT
Attach to your Income Tax Return
DSIRE SOLAR is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives and policies that promote the adoption of solar technologies
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
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