Is Residential Rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Power a Sustainable Solution?
Presenter: Stephen “Steve” Kujak

Solar power generation using photovoltaic (PV) panels continues to be one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources. In fact, many characterize capturing energy through PV panels as inexhaustible and sustainable energy source that is reliable for the long term, which is cost effective, efficient and is non-polluting. Unfortunately, sustainability means more than generating energy without the consequences of generating greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuel. The concept of sustainability is composed of environmental, economic and social impacts.

The presenter installed a 13 kilowatt fixed mounted residential rooftop PV system in June 2018. The system is comprised of 42 – 310 watt panels controlled by 21 micro-inverters. PV systems are marketed as a turn-key installations, easy to maintain and they have matured to the point of being just appliances without the need for monitoring. However, this is far from the case.

The presentation will cover the challenges and performance of this PV system for the past 18 months. It will cover challenges with system selection, installation and summarize both electrical generation and economic performance as well as the trials and tribulations. In the end, the audience will understand whether residential rooftop PV solar energy is sustainable. Many might be surprised by the answer.

About the Presenter

Steve has spent over 28 years being involved in numerous technology and product development projects involving development of new refrigerants, lubricants, compatibility of system materials and environmental sustainability initiatives. Steve holds Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s degree in analytical chemistry from the University of North Dakota.

Steve has been member of ASHRAE since 2005 and is a distinguish service member of ASHRAE. His ASHRAE and industry activities include contributing to refrigerant safety and use standards. Steve has been an author or co-author on greater than 50 publications related to refrigerants and has 17 patents related to HVAC products.

Steve has lived with his wife Annette on the Mississippi River for the past 10 years (Lake Onalaska and now the main channel in Brownsville, Minnesota) and both enjoy the beauty the drift-less region provides. Steve enjoys doing environmental or outdoor related activities. His activities include gardening, fishing, hunting and camping with his family. He is involved in local organizations working on environmental conservation minded projects, like the Friends of the Refuge – Mississippi River Pools 7 & 8 (FOR78).

Register by Tuesday, February 11th on the Events Tab

Program
5:00-6:00 PM – Social
6:00-6:45 PM – Dinner
6:45-7:00 PM – Announcements
7:00-8:00 PM – Presentation

Date
Wednesday February 19th, 2020

Place
WTC – Lunda Center
319 7th St N, La Crosse, WI 54601

Cost
$15 (includes dinner and one drink)

RSVP
Required by Tuesday February 11^th,