Solar Panel Efficiency Analysis for CQUniversity

This assignment examines the effectiveness of various solar panels for use by CQUniversity. It evaluates factors like efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction potential, and return on investment to determine the most suitable panel for the university. The analysis highlights the financial and environmental benefits of using solar energy and recommends a specific solar panel model based on its overall performance.

Running head: FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
CQUniversity’s Solar Power Strategy
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author’s note

1FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Executive Summary
In the present assignment we analysed a proposal by CQUniversity for the use of Solar Panels.
The use of Solar Energy as a form of renewable energy resource is fast developing as a viable
option to the use of fossil fuels. In this task, we analysed the efficiency of 10 solar panels. The
solar panels were judged on the basis of their price, energy output, greenhouse gas reduction,
efficiency and thus their overall scores. The analysis of the data showed that the solar panel
manufactured by "Fusion Catcha" had the highest overall scores. The panels made by the
"Fusion Catcha" had a very high greenhouse gas reduction, while the gross return is low. It is
also found that the price of the organization is also high as compared to the prices of solar panels
by other organizations. The analysis found that when the weightage of greenhouse gas
reductions is increased by two or three times then also the overall score of the panels of "Fusion
Catcha" is the best. The university should analyse further data in order to make a decision
regarding the best solar panels.

2FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Discussion........................................................................................................................................3
Conclusion and Recommendations..................................................................................................3
Reference.........................................................................................................................................3

3FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Introduction
Electricity is generated by the use of either of renewable or non-renewable energy
resources. The non-renewable sources of electricity generation are coal, fossil fuels and nuclear
materials. The non-renewable energy resources are limited in nature and it is viable to produce
electricity from these resources till the time it is economically viable. On the other hand
renewable energy resources are wind, solar, hydel, geothermal and biomass. There is an
unlimited amount of renewable energy resources.
Solar Power refers to the generation of electricity from sunlight.
Herein, the analyst has analysed the solar power strategy for CQUniversity. To
investigate the strategy, solar panels of 10 different organizations were chosen. Data was
collected for the output capacity of the solar panels based on the length and width of the panels.
The prices ($) of the solar panels was also collected.
The following parameters have been calculated to compare the solar panels.
Area (sqM) of different solar panels was calculated. To calculate the area Length and
Width of the Solar Panels were multiplied.
Electricity Generated (KW/Year) was calculated by multiplying the output of each solar
panel with the number of days in a year (i.e., 365), the number of hours of sunlight per day (7).
The above result was divided by 1000 to get the Electricity generated in a year.
The Value of Electricity generated ($/Year) was calculated by multiplying the Electricity
Generated per year with price of Electricity (0.15 $/KWh).
The Efficiency (%) of the solar panels of different organizations was calculated from the
output capacity (W) of different solar panels by 1000 times the area of the solar panels.
Greenhouse Gas Reductions (Tons/Year) is calculated as the thousandth part of product
of Electricity generated in one year and Greenhouse reduction factor.
The Gross Return Per Year is the ratio of value of electricity generated per year to the
price of the solar panel.
The sun is the source of Solar Energy. The most important benefit of using solar energy
is that it is a form of renewable energy. Solar energy is available throughout the day and can be
harnessed from around the earth. Moreover, unlike other forms of energy, the electricity bill for
the use of solar power would be less. The amount of power saved would be directly proportional
to the size of the solar panels. In addition, to generating electricity, solar power can also be used
to heat the rooms. Further, solar power can also be used in areas which are inaccessible to energy

4FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
grids. The cost of maintaining of solar energy panels is also very less. The only problem with
solar panels is that they should be cleaned regularly. The solar panels have no moving parts.
Hence the upkeep of Solar Panels is very cheap.
In the present report we analyse the efficiencies of solar panels based on greenhouse gas
reductions, gross return per year and the price of the solar panels. This would aid CQUniversity
in deciding the best solar panel. The use of solar panels by CQUniversity is a step towards its
social responsibility. The use of Solar panels would stimulate the economy of the university. The
generation of power through solar energy is less expensive as compared to the use of fossil fuels.
The use of Solar panel would aid in the reduction of the energy bill of the university. In the long
run, the difference in electricity bill can help the university in diverting the money being spent
for purchase of electricity to doing research in other fields.
Moreover, since solar panels do not emit polluting air, hence it is a clean form of energy.
Thus through the use of Solar energy the university would help in cleaning the atmosphere in its
vicinity. Research has found that the use of fossil fuels for generating electricity is responsible
for global warming. As a social responsibility thus the university would not only clean the
atmosphere but also reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.
Discussion
The first step in its endeavour to harness solar power is the use of solar panels. Thus to
this end the university short listed solar panels of 10 organizations.
Solar Panels Output
Capacity (W)
Price ($) Area (sqM) Electricity
Generated
(KW/Year)
Sharp E350 350 900 2.66 894.25
SolarMax 200 200 600 1.68 511.00
Full Sun 33 33 99 0.64 84.32
MegaSol 10000 1000 1800 6.38 2555.00
NanoSolar 10 Stripe 10 99 0.07 25.55
Mr Solar EKS 200 120 2.40 511.00
SolarLife AB200 200 120 1.65 511.00
Wang Solar W100 100 300 0.55 255.50
Fusion Catcha 1600 4950 4.64 4088.00
Proto-Panel Red-UV 10 250 0.04 25.55
The analysis of the basic data shows that the output capacity (W) of “Fusion Catcha” is
the highest at 1600W, while the output capacity of “Proto-Panel Red-UV and Nano-Solar 10
Stripe” is the least at 10W. In addition, the price of “Fusion Catcha” solar panel is the highest
($4950) amongst all the solar panels chosen for the study. The price of “Full Sun 33” and

5FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
“NanoSolar 10 Stripe” is the lowest ($99). MegaSol 10000 has the highest surface Area of all the
solar panels (6.38 sq.M), while the surface area of Proto-Panel Red-UV is the lowest (0.04
sq.M). Taking into consideration that we get solar power in 365 days of a year, 7 hours of
sunlight per day, the electricity generated by “Fusion Catcha” is the highest at 4088KW/Year.
On the other hand, the electricity generated by “Nano-Stripe 10” and “Proto-Panel Red-UV” is
the lowest at 25.55 KW/Year.
Solar Panels Value of Electricity
Generated ($/Year)
Efficiency (%)
Sharp E350 $ 134.14 13%
SolarMax 200 $ 76.65 12%
Full Sun 33 $ 12.65 5%
MegaSol 10000 $ 383.25 16%
NanoSolar 10 Stripe $ 3.83 14%
Mr Solar EKS $ 76.65 8%
SolarLife AB200 $ 76.65 12%
Wang Solar W100 $ 38.33 18%
Fusion Catcha $ 613.20 34%
Proto-Panel Red-UV $ 3.83 27%
The price of electricity generated is $0.15/KWh. Hence, the value of Electricity
Generated by “Fusion Catcha” is the highest at $613.20. The value of electricity generated by
“Nano-Solar 10 Stripe” and “Proto-Panel Red-UV” is the lowest at $3.83.
The efficiency of the solar panels is the ratio of the energy outputs to the area of the solar
panels. The analysis of the efficiencies of the solar panels shows that the average efficiency of
the 10 panels is 16%. “Full Sun 33” has the lowest efficiency amongst all the solar panels (5%).
Solar Panel manufactured by “Fusion Catcha” is the highest (34%).
Solar Panels Greenhouse Gas Reductions
(Tons/Year)
Gross Return per Year (%)
Sharp E350 0.78 15%
SolarMax 200 0.45 13%
Full Sun 33 0.07 13%
MegaSol 10000 2.23 21%
NanoSolar 10 Stripe 0.02 4%
Mr Solar EKS 0.45 64%
SolarLife AB200 0.45 64%
Wang Solar W100 0.22 13%
Fusion Catcha 3.57 12%
Proto-Panel Red-UV 0.02 2%

6FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
Greenhouse Gas Reductions of Solar Panels
Solar Panels
Greenhouse gas reductions
(Tons/year)
The investigation into the solar panels shows that the average greenhouse gas reduction
of the 10 panels is 0.83 Tons/Year. Solar panel’s manufactured by “Nano-Solar 10 Stripe” and
“Proto-panel Red-UV” reduce greenhouse gases by 0.02tons/year as compared to 3.57
Tons/Year by “Fusion Catcha.” The solar panel manufactured by “MegaSol 10000” is able to
reduce greenhouse gases by 2.23Tons/Year. Hence, it is seen that solar panels manufactured by
“Nano-Solar 10 Stripe” and “Proto-panel Red-UV” are the least efficient in reducing
greenhouses gases. Further, the solar panel of “Fusion Catcha” is the most effective in reducing
greenhouses gases.

7FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Gross Return per Year (%) of Solar Panels
Solar Panels
Gross Return per Year
(%)
The investigation into the gross return per year of the 10 panels shows that the average is
22%. Solar panel manufactured by “Proto-panel Red-UV” has the least gross-return per year at
2%. The solar panel’s manufactured by “Mr Solar EKS” and “SolarLife AB200” have the
highest gross return per year (64%).

8FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
Relation of Area to Greenhouse Gas Reductions
Area (sqM) Greenhouse Gas Reductions (Tons/Year)
Solar Panels
Area (sq. M.)
Greenhouse Gas Reductions
We also investigate the relation between surface area of solar panels and greenhouse gas
reductions. The analysis shows that there is good association between surface area and
greenhouse gas reductions. The higher the surface area of the solar panels the higher reductions
in greenhouse gases and vice versa.

9FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
Relation of Price to Greenhouse Gas Reductions
Price ($) Greenhouse Gas Reductions (Tons/Year)
Solar Panels
Price ($)
Greenhouse Gas Reductions
(Tons/Year)
In addition, it is also seen that price of a solar panel has a high correlation with
greenhouse gases reductions. The higher the price of the solar panels the higher the reduction in
greenhouse gases and vice versa.

10FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Surface Area vs Gross Return per Year of Solar Panels
Area (sqM) Gross Return per Year (%)
Solar Panels
Surface Area (sq. M.)
Gross Return per Year (%)
The study of the relation between surface area and gross return per year of the solar
panels shows that for Mr Solar EKS and SolarLife AB200 the surface area is low but the gross
return per year is very high. On the other hand, for “MegaSol 10000” and “Fusion Catcha” the
gross return per year is low while the surface area is high.

11FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Price vs Gross Return per Year for different Solar Panels
Price ($) Gross Return per Year (%)
Solar Panel
Price ($)
Gross Return per year (%)
The study of the relation between price and gross return per year of the solar panels
shows that the price of “Mr Solar EKS” and “SolarLife AB200” is low while the gross return per
year is very high. On the other hand, the price of “Fusion Catcha” is high while the gross return
per year is low.

12FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0.00
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
3.00
3.50
4.00
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Relation of Greenhouse Gas Reductions to Gross Return
Greenhouse Gas Reductions (Tons/Year) Gross Return per Year (%)
Solar Panels
Greenhouse Gas Reductions
(Tons/Year)
Gross Return per Year (%)
The relation between greenhouse gas reduction and gross return of solar panels shows
that gross return per year for “Fusion Catcha” is low while it is very effective in reducing
greenhouse gas reduction. On the other hand, for “Mr Solar EKS” and “SolarLife AB200” the
greenhouse gas reductions are low while the gross return per year is high. It is also seen that the
for “MegaSol 10000” Gross return per year is near to the average value of the returns of the 10
solar panels and Greenhouse gas reductions is more than the average value of reductions of the
solar panels.
Finally, we compare the overall scores of the solar panels. The overall score of the solar
panels is the sum of the ratio of efficiency to maximum efficiency, greenhouse gas reduction to
maximum greenhouse gas reduction and gross return per year to the maximum return per year.
Overall scores were also calculated when the greenhouse gas reduction had a weight of two and
three.

13FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Solar Panels Overall Score Overall Score
(Weight 2)
Overall Score
(Weight 3)
Sharp E350 8% 11% 13%
SolarMax 200 7% 8% 9%
Full Sun 33 4% 4% 4%
MegaSol 10000 14% 20% 27%
NanoSolar 10 Stripe 5% 5% 5%
Mr Solar EKS 14% 15% 16%
SolarLife AB200 15% 16% 17%
Wang Solar W100 8% 9% 9%
Fusion Catcha 22% 32% 42%
Proto-Panel Red-UV 8% 8% 8%
The overall scores shows that the overall score for “Fusion Catcha” is the highest at 22%
when all the parameters have a weight of one. Similarly, when the weightage of greenhouse gas
reduction is increased then also the overall score of “Fusion Catcha” still remains the highest.
The average greenhouse gas reductions of the solar panels is 10% while the lowest is 4%. The
overall score of “Full Sun 33” is the lowest.
The analysis also shows that when all the parameters of overall score has a weightage of
one then “MegaSol 10000” is third. However, when the weightage of greenhouse gas reductions
is increased then the overall score of “MegaSol 10000” is second.

14FOUNDATIONS OF BUSINESS COMPUTING
Sharp E350
SolarMax 200
Full Sun 33
MegaSol 10000
NanoSolar 10 Stripe
Mr Solar EKS
SolarLife AB200
Wang Solar W100
Fusion Catcha
Proto-Panel Red-UV
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Overall Scores of Solar Panels
Overall Score Overall Score (Weight 2) Overall Score (Weight 3)
Solar Panels
Overall Scores
Conclusion and Recommendations
Herein we have analysed the overall efficiency solar panels which can be used by
CQUniversity. The use of Solar panels to generate electricity by CQUniversity would serve two
purposes –
i. Reduce the electricity bill of the university not only for the present but also in the long
run. The reduction in the electricity bill of the university would help the university in
diverting its funds for other works.
ii. As a social responsibility be generating through the use of solar panels CQUniversity
would help in reduction of emission of greenhouse gases.
Hence, CQUniversity should invest in solar panels for generation of power.
The analysis of the data on solar panels shows that the panels produced by “Fusion
Catcha” has the best overall efficiency. Moreover, the overall score of “Fusion Catcha”
remains the highest even when the weightage of greenhouse gases is increased by two or
three times. Hence, from the initial calculations it seems that the university can purchase
solar panels produced by “Fusion Catcha.”