Economic aspects of solar energy for industrial process heat

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6483010

Cohen, A D; McCarthy, R L; Trice, J B

Energy requirements for industrial process heat (IPH) represent a high percentage of the national demand for oil and natural gas. Although solar IPH systems have the potential for significant industrial energy savings, current costs to the user of installed solar plants will not meet the normal investment criteria of industrial firms. Most companies using process heat predicate the application of new and improved systems on the attainment of 2 to 4 years payback time on the investment. In order to achieve the payback, substantial improvements in solar system technology and costs must be obtained. In addition, more favorable tax regulations and incentives must be implemented if we are to hasten the use of solar energy. The key factors which must be considered for solar IPH applications are outlined. Included in these factors are system performance, land availability and cost, integrated solar plant/building systems design, taxation effects, and installed cost of the solar system. Cost goals are presented for solar IPH systems with varying levels of Federal tax incentives and a comparison of projected system costs shows solar systems to be cost competitive by the mid-1980's.

• Research Organization: General Electric Co., King of Prussia, PA
• OSTI ID: 6483010
• Report Number(s): CONF-800604-P3
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc. Annu. Meet. - Am. Sect. Int. Sol. Energy Soc.; (United States) Journal Volume: 3.2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140300* -- Solar Energy-- Economic
Industrial
& Business Aspects
140905
DEMAND
DESIGN
ECONOMICS
ENERGY
ENERGY DEMAND
FINANCIAL INCENTIVES
HEAT
INDUSTRY
LAND REQUIREMENTS
PERFORMANCE
PROCESS HEAT
SOLAR PROCESS HEAT
TAXES