The City of Hilliard Sustainability Plan

Hilliard Sustainability PlanRenewable Energy Options in HilliardSolarAlthough solar power is not widely used in Hilliard, the area has enough solar potential toembrace this alternative energy (see map). In fact, Central Ohio has 4 to 4.4 hours of peak sunlightper day, which is only slightly lower than Miami, Florida with 5.3 hours of peak sunlight each day.xviSolar energy can be harnessed in many ways, although small-scale residential and commercialuses typically take the form of PV panels or solar hot water. Passive solar technology is also a wayto drastically decrease the need for thermal energy through use of the sun and strategic buildingdesign.Photovoltaic cells are a common form of electrical production, converting sunlightinto direct current electricity that can be used or fed back into the grid. Theses cells canbe combined into arrays to provide electricity at a large scale and can be installed onboth new and existing development. As of 2011, the average installed price of solar PVthe U.S. was approximately $5.00 per watt. xvii A high quality PV module can convert at 15-18%efficiency, with the average module converting at approximately 12%. xviii» Solar Potential: www.nrel.govSolar domestic hot water systems, or solar hot water heaters, offer another way to reduce energy and fuel use. In 2011, water heating accountedfor 18% of an average American’s home utility bill. xix There are three types of solar hot water heaters that are commercially available, includingflat-plate collectors, integral collector-storage systems, and evacuated-tube solar collectors. xx Solar hot water heaters only require an un-shadedsouthern section of property, and they can cut costs, offset the use of electricity, and lower home gas emissions. xxiinECON. EXECUTIVEENERGY DEV. &SOCIAL SUMMARY WASTE EQ.REDUCTIONWindAccording to the National Oceanographic and Aeronautical Association (NOAA), the average wind speedover the past 53 years in the Columbus area ranges from 6.2 to 10.1 miles per hour, with the average windspeed being lowest in August and highest in March. xxii This average wind speed may be low for installingsmall wind turbines, which require an average monthly wind speed of 14 miles per hour to be economicalfor homes spending over $150 a month for electricity, although micro wind turbines would work wellunder these conditions. xxiiiMicro wind turbines are small in size and can be attached to a home’s roof. Some of the top rated turbineshave energy output at 8 miles per hour, nearly half the speed needed for the standard small turbines.xxivWith the advancement of micro turbine technology, Hilliard’s businesses and residents can feasiblyutilize wind power. These micro turbines have a generating capacity of anywhere from 500 to 1500 KWHper month dependent on wind speed, xxv and they provide the opportunity to offset a large amount ofelectricity that is produced by non-renewable sources such as coal and gas.» Mirco Wind Turbine: usawindgen.com25