Feasibility of IT Industry for Large Scale Rooftop Photovoltaic Adoption

Abstract

This thesis is divided into eight sections that contextualize and illustrate the market potential for commercial PPA solar leasing on mid-sized commercial roofs in the US.First, a discussion of the drawbacks from fossil fuel reliance reveals the benefits of solar energy.The second section explains the photovoltaic effect and the process through which sunlight is converted to electricity.From that foundation, the theoretical solar dependence in the US is then contrasted with current energy consumption.The disparity shown to be the result of such large-scale challenges as the reliance on peak power plants, unavoidable heat losses and other problems stemming from the lack of a decentralized grid infrastructure.By factoring in these challenges, a commercialization strategy for mid-sized commercial photovoltaics business is realized, which logically leads to a discussion of the cost trends of photovoltaic modules and parts.Understanding costs gives rise to an examination of potential pricing options in the following section, along with breakeven analyses.Lastly, a discussion of the developments of the solar industry shows that traditional silicon wafer cells are the least expensive and most efficient technology available, and that a hypothetical company serving enterprise-class data centers in the state Ohio will break even in 9 years with optimal debt financing.