[HOW Adeel

PHOTOVOLTAIC
Ahma
SYSTEMS dAFFECTS
CONSTRUCTION IN
SOUTH ASIA] Student ID:
11268158

Word Count: 2,750

Module: Research Methods - 4CSS593

Proposal for Dissertation

CONTENTS

Summary/Abstract..........................................................................................................3

Bibliography
SUMMARY/ABSTRACT

International scientific consensus agrees that increasing levels of man-made greenhouse

gases are leading to global climate change, [Boyle, G (2000)]. Possible consequences of
climate change including rising temperatures, changing sea levels, and impacts on global
weather. These changes could soon have serious impacts on the world’s organisms and
on the lives of millions of people, especially those living in areas that are vulnerable to
extreme natural conditions such as flooding and drought.Increasingly expensive oil is
causing an energy revolution by requiring oil to be supplemented by alternative energy
sources and by requiring changes in lifestyle.

The answer to these problems, are more than one, but the one of the main solutions is;

To deploy energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies

INTRODUCTION

THE UNITED NATIONS (UN)

On 16th February 2005 – The Kyoto treaty against global warming came into force with
the then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan urging the world to “save the planet” by
adding limits on greenhouse gases, [UN - 2009]

Under the Kyoto Protocol to the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC), industrialised countries are to reduce their combined emissions of six major
greenhouse gases during the five year period from 2008 to 2012.

For many countries, achieving the Kyoto targets will be a major change that will require
new policies and new approaches.

NEW APPROACHES

Although it is widely believed that the solar electric energy can be one answer to these
problems. This dissertation proposal’s aim is to create a foundation of analysing the
production of solar electric energy in South Asia. Critical reviews of the literature are
going to be structured under two chapters; 1) Solar Electric Energy, generally, and 2)
Solar Electric Energy in South Asia.

This research should reveal the potential production of Photovoltaic’s (PV’s) in South
Asia, and come to a conclusion and recommendations for further research and policy
changes that should be made.

Solar Energy
Solar energy is one the most resourceful sources of energy for the future. However,
about a third of this energy is either absorbed by the outer atmosphere or reflected back
into space, [Dauncey, G. - 2002).

Solar energy is presently being used on a smaller scale in furnaces for homes and to heat
up swimming pools. On a larger scale use, solar energy could be used to run cars, power
plants, and aircrafts.

Solar power is relatively pollution free, although the impact of environmental pollution
during manufacture and construction should not be neglected. Facilities can operate
with little maintenance or intervention after initial setup.

Solar power is becoming more and more economical as costs associated with production
decreases; the technology becomes more effective in energy conversion, and the costs
of other energy source alternatives increase. Solar power is available to approximately
half the planet at any given moment and can be viewed as a local resource because of
regional climatic variances, [Hislop, D (1992)].

Some countries, regions, etc (such as island communities, desolate regions and ocean-
going vessels) are harvesting solar power as a viable energy resource due in part to
comparative costs associated with purchasing energy from other sources.

PHOTOVOLTAICS

Photovoltaic is a combination of two words, “photo” Greek word for light, and “voltaic”
meaning electricity, (Ray-ad-Solar - 2009) Photovoltaic technology is the scientific term
used to describe what is used to convert solar energy into electricity, to generate
electricity from light.

Solar cells, also referred to as photovoltaic cells, are devices or banks that use the
photovoltaic effect of semiconductors to generate electricity directly from sunlight.

According to Buresch (1983),

“Up until now, solar cells have been used for limited and very diverse applications” for
example; “Satellites, electric calculators and watches, a one person aeroplane, and
various prototype electric cars have been designed which obtains most or all of their
power from photovoltaic cells”. Also other developments such as: “Water pupmping,
irrigation projects, a water desalination plant, and a professional radio station are
operating entirely on solar cells....solar energy has become cost effective for remote
applications where utility power is unavailable.”

Buresch (1983) goes on to explain that despite the demonstrated versatility of solar cells,
there are four major limitations that could prevent them from making a significant
contribution to the national energy demand and that these issues must be addressed if
photovoltaic generators are to be transformed from a special application power source
into a widespread alternative.

These issues are: the cost of solar cells, the amount of annual sunshine at a site, the type
and timing of the PV output power, and the space required for generating a significant
amount of photovoltaic energy.
The most commonly used material in PV cells is crystalline silicone, either as mono-
crystalline, multi-crystalline or more recently in an amorphous form although other
semiconductor materials can be formed. (Yaron et al -1994).
DEFINITION OF THE PROBLEM OR THE PROCESS

Solar power does not require steep subsidies to be able to push aside environment-
polluting fossil fuels. In developed countries, solar-generated electricity is four times
more expensive than so-called brown electricity made with coal and gas, and can only be
made attractive to consumers when subsidised heavily. But in large parts of emerging
markets, solar power does not compete with mains electricity, because there is no grid.

For example, in Bangladesh, where more than two out of three households cannot get
electricity out of a socket, some 80,000 homes now own a basic solar panel that
generates about 50 watts of power, [Planet Ark (2009) -
http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/37015/story.htm]

The energy is stored in a small battery and can light up three bright, energy-saving
lamps for four hours.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

AIM:

The aim of this investigation is to carry out a critical analysis of the current level of solar
electrical energy production in the South Asia.

OBJECTIVES:

This investigation will seek to fulfil the following key objectives which will be used to
measure its success;

1. To analyse the benefits of using solar energy for electrical production (Nationally).

2. To carry out an analysis of the available energy in South Asia and technology
used to harness it.

3. To review and compare the current costs of supply, installation and usage in
South Asia and further make an investigation of the total installed in this area.

4. To review the constraints experienced in South Asia, as far as solar energy is

concerned and make recommendation on how its use can be enhanced.
KEY QUESTIONS

TOPIC

In addition to the objectives mentioned, I will also need to overcome a range of factors
that can heavily influence the evaluation of this investigation. For example;

1. Does the data required to answer your question already exist or will you have to
generate your own data?

2. Can you combine quantitative with qualitative methods? e.g. a survey which
includes interviews or a case study that looks at a situation from numerous
angles.

3. What factors may limit the scope of your research? (time, resources, etc.)

4. Which method(s) best suit the questions and time you have available to do this
study?

5. Do you know the differences between types of data, and types of analysis?

6. Does your project have clear links between theory and practice?

LIMITATIONS AND KEY ASSUMPTIONS

LIMITATIONS

As experienced while working on this proposal, time could be a major factor on his
research as so could be the distance need to gather research.

Some interviewees / organisations may not be available/refuse to undertake

questionnaires / interviews.

Access to places in South Asia is not practical, but with the use of the latest forms of
communication will help eradicate that problem, by contacting major firms within that
region. Also the benefit of having construction developers within the family, will hasten
my research and time to gather important information regarding the current situation in
South Asia.
ASSUMPTIONS

How questionnaires will take place?

How research will be carried out?

How much time to spend on researching?

IDENTIFICATION OF SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LITERATURE REVIEW

According to Naoum (2004), the literature review involves reading and appraising what
other people have written about a related subject area. It can be both descriptive and
analytical.

Naoum (2004) goes on to explain that a literature review serves two purposes. Firstly, it
seeks out systematic reading of previously published and unpublished information
relating to the field of the investigation. The gathered information will develop issues and
themes that help explain the next point. Secondly, the literatutre review will help to
improve your study by looking into previous research design or questionnaires that will
give some insights into how you can design your own study more effectively.

Below are the following sources which I believe will help me for this project;

• Primary literature sources which contains research journals, report papers,

government publications, personal communitcation with construction workers, UN
regulations.

• Secondary literature sources which cite from primary sources like textbooks,
internet(websites) and trade journals

• Reference guides; dictionaries, glossaries encyclopaedias, etc.

Also mentioned below are further research I wish to obtain in order to gain a better
understanding of the current situation in South Asia:

• Global warming
• Solar Power
• Solar Electric Energy
• How PV technology Works
• Types of PV systems
• Common uses of PV
• Benefits and Advantages of solar electric energy
• Cost of Economics
• System Maintenance
• Solar energy policies in other countries
• Financing PV’s
• Life cycle costing
 • Overview of South Asia
• Solar Radiation in South Asia
• Energy Policy and Implementation
• Potential of Solar Electricity in South Asia
• Current uses of PV’s in South Asia
• Barriers to widespread development of PV’s in South Asia
• How can solar energy enhance the use of renewable energy?
• Can changing the use of energy improve the standard of living in South Asia?

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methodology refers to the principles and procedures of logical thought

processes which applied to a scientific investigation. (Fellows and Lui [2003]). Research
is crucial for forming the backbone of any factual investigation. It can be used to build up
a body of knowledge to identify the needs of any party and is vital when attempting to
compare and contrast one party to another. Research is required to either create or test
a theory. It is then the instrument that is used to test whether a theory is good or not.

For the purpose of this study, both qualitative and quantitative research will have to be
used. The basic principles underlying these two major types of research are as follows:

“Quantitative approaches adopt a scientific method in which initial study of theory

and literature yields precise aims and objectives with a hypothesis to be tested.”

Whereas....

“In qualitative research, an exploration of the subject is undertaken without prior

formulations – the object is to gain understanding and collect information and
such data theories will emerge.”

(Fellows and Lui, 2003)

For quantitative research I wish to gather my findings and compare against major
organisations and government publications such as the UN and how improvements can
be made in accordance with various treaty’s created, for example the Kyoto Protocol.

Qualitative research will gather in-depth information personal human behaviour and
reasons that direct it. Questionnaires and interviews will be the key factor to gaining this
information.

DATA COLLECTIONS

There are two approaches to date collections, fieldwork and desk study. Fieldwork
research refers to the methods of primary data collection used by the researcher and is
acquired through interviews and questionnaires. Desk study refers to collection of
secondary data and is obtained from other sources, [Ruddock, L (1995)].

In order to meet my objectives, a literature review of both primary and secondary

sources will be carried out. Reference guides will also be used as they can be very useful
for quick and brief answers.

Some primary sources that will be used are:

• Academic research journals

• Report paper

• Government and EU publications and regulations

A literature review is the most appropriate method for achieving my objectives because
it provides me with a large area of research whilst at the same time offering me facts
from secondary sources.

Case studies will also be carried out. This will allow me to dig deep in to all the available
information and therefore be able to make a good analysis of the research. (Yin [2003])
states that case studies are preferred strategy when “how” or “why” questions are being
posed, when the investigator had little control over events, and when the focus is o a
contemporary phenomenon within some real-life context.

TECHNIQUES

Methods that are used to collect information to inform the research are called research
techniques and generally there are four such methods, namely questionnaires,
interviews, observations and unobtrusive measures, such as archive analysis and access
audits.

QUESTIONNAIRES

This technique is a simplistic tool and useful tool for gathering data from a larger survey
population. Benefits are it is cost effective, the process is fast and respondents can
consult others for more information, and also has the ability to provide both objective
and subjective data in a clean format enabling the author to easily identify empirical
relationships from the data gathered. However, it has limitations in that it must contain
simple questions; it is not flexible and has no control over respondents. Questionnaires
can be postal, telephone, or completed face to face. Disadvantages can include: poor
response rates, faulty design, which could influence the outcomes and interviewer bias.

“Just one ambiguous question can frustrate the individual in his attempt to complete and
may result in another non response” [(Howard and Peters (1990)]

INTERVIEWS

Interviews can take three forms, unstructured, structured and semi-structure. Interviews
can take place over the phone or face to face provided that there is a solid foundation of
data for the researcher, also interviews allows more scope depth and control compared
to questionnaires.

Yin (2003) states that when conducting interviews you need to be cautious about
becoming overly dependent on a key informant, especially because of the interpersonal
influence and further suggests that a reasonable way with dealing with this is to rely on
other sources of evidence to corroborate any insight by such informants and to search
for contrary evidence.

Below is a template of questions I would like to ask:

1) What are the general problems your company has experienced with solar electric
systems?

2) Do you think the government is doing enough to promote and encourage the use of
PV’s?

3) Are there any guidelines, regulations, policies, concerning photovoltaic that you are
aware of?

4) Where does your organisation source, the following?

a) Installations material
b) Maintenance materials

5) Does your organisation have any guidelines on how to deal with solar energy
projects?

SAMPLING

The objective behind sampling is to provide a practical means of enabling data collection
and processing components of research to be carried out whilst ensuring the sample
provides a good representation of the whole population. (Fellows and Lui [1997]).

In order to gain this I hope to send out questionnaires to various parts of different regions
to gain an understand on what the views of the local population are.

LITERATURE

To successfully achieve of what is intended a literature search will be carried out, with
the following aims in mind;

• To build up a greater understanding of the subject;

• To gain an understanding of how other people perceive similar issues;
• To draw on existing knowledge as far as possible;
• To enable development of the research design stage

On the following page is a diagram I have designed showing a systematic method of how
I intend to collect and evaluate my findings.
Figure 1, shows a general route I intent to take in order to complete this investigation.

Journals
Report Papers
Thesis
Government Publications
Textbooks

Qualitative Questionnaires Analysis

& & &
Quantitative Interviews Evaluation

Case Study

Conclusion
&
Recommendation
PROPOSED STRUCTURE OF DISSERTATIONS/PROJECT

CHAPTER 1

This is the introduction of the dissertation; the chapter explains the rationale behind
carrying out the research and also details the aim and objectives of the research.

CHAPTER 2

This is the literature review and it is where an overview and the background of solar
electric energy are dealt with. In this chapter, global warming will also be discussed
because of its relationship with renewable energy and/or the perception that use
renewable energy can be one of the answers to global warming. Financing mechanisms
and policies concerning photovoltaic systems (PV’s) will also be considered within this
chapter. This chapter will also deal with the general uses of solar energy. Finally the
benefits and advantages of PV’s will be conferred.

CHAPTER 3

This chapter is a continuation of the literature review; it deals with solar electric energy
use and renewable energy policies in South Asia with emphasis on the current availability
of solar energy, technology, costs and constraints experienced in that part of the
continent.

CHAPTER 4

This chapter explains how the investigation was carried out and what tools were utilised.

CHAPTER 5
This chapter is concerned with analysis and evaluation of the case study together with
the appraisal of the interviews and questionnaires.

CHAPTER 6

This is the end product of the dissertation and a summary of what has been achieved as
far as the research objectives are concerned. Recommendation and limitations are also
discussed in this chapter

CHAPTER 7

This is the bibliography section.

CHAPTER 8

Appendix

ACTION PLAN

A structured time frame over the summer, to ensure the bulk of the research and that
data is in place to be analysed come end of the holidays.

In terms of the research needed, I will need to do the following;

• For example, to find information on health benefits, education benefits,

environmental benefits and economic benefits that renewable can create;

• Other types of PV systems;

• To undertake interviews, create questionnaires and have them completed.

TIME FRAME

Literature review – This section should take at most two months to complete, as it
discusses solar electric energy in great detail, with topics ranging from global warming to
general uses of solar energy.

Methodology – This should take a month to complete, as it will just explain how the
investigation was carried out and the tools used.

Analysis – This segment is concerned with an in-depth analysis and evaluation; any
should take two months to complete.

Conclusion – The conclusion is the end product of the dissertation and it is a detailed
summary of what has been achieved in terms of research. This section should take a
month to complete.

Supervisor – After every section I will contact my supervisor and explain what has been
done and if there are any segments I can improve on.

The list mentioned below is the action plan I have intended to use, in order to achieve an
accurate and influential evaluation. The highlighted points show how far I have advanced
in to the list.

1. Background reading
2. Follow interesting ‘trails’, until one leads to a provisional question or ‘thesis’
3. Finalize your dissertation topic and title
4. More background and focused reading on your chosen aspect of the topic
5. Agreement of title after you chose your dissertation topic.
6. Literature search
7. Find information already written about chosen topic. To seek out up-to-date
resources and current studies going on, asking for help from library staff and
supervisor.
8. Investigate methodological issues, implications of particular dissertation research
methods and ethical issues.
9. Dissertation plan, informed by your literature search
10. Reflect on methodological issues in writing and revising your dissertation plan.
11. Overview of dissertation help methods
12. Develop dissertation plan
13. Begin to conduct your research and gather evidence or data using the research
method you decide
14. Gathering evidence or data
15. Begin to analyze evidence or data
16. Use initial findings to begin to draft the dissertation.
17. In the meantime continue to analyze and evaluate evidence or data
18. Refine assignment plan and develop draft,
19. Focus on adopting an appropriate academic tone and style, together with
accurate, reader-friendly presentation of evidence
20. Continue drafting and refining
21. Complete draft, Refine style, Completed draft
22. Apply self-evaluation checklist again
 23. Last refinements of written style and presentation; final check of data and its
presentation
24. Produce final assignment
25. Submit dissertation

To conclude, I hope to achieve my aims and hope my findings prove beneficial in

providing to help raise awareness of the levels of sustainable construction in South Asia,
and hopefully become a stepping stone for future investigations in similar projects.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Boyle, G. (2000). Renewable Energy. Power for a Sustainable Future [Oxford: Oxford
University Press]

Dauncey, G. (2002). Solar Energy – Global overview, Sustainable Energy, [Canada: New
Society Publishers]

EUREC Agency (1996). The Future of Renewable Energy, Prospects and Directions

Green, M.A (2004). Recent developments in photovoltaics. Solar Energy

Hislop, D. (1992) Energy Options. An Introduction to small-scale renewable energy

technologies.

Hymers, P. (2006). Converting to an Eco-Friendly Home [New Holland Publishers]

Miles, B.M. and Huberman, M. A. (1994). Qualititative Data Analysis. 2nd Edition [Sage
Publications]

Oladiran, M.T. (1999). An Overview of PV Application Appropiate for Developing

Countries.

Oppenheim, N.A. (1992) Questionnaire Design, Interviewing Attitude Measurement.

Ruddock, L (1995). Quantitative methods for the built environment.

Yaron, G, Irving, T.F and Jansson, S. (1994). Solar Energy for Rural Communities.

Fellows, F. and Lui, A. (2003). Research Methods for Construction.

Harvey, A. (1995). Renewable Energy Technologies in developing countries.

Bernard, H.R. (2000). Social Research Methods, qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Imamura et al (1992). Photovoltaic system technology.

Lorenzo, E. (1994) Solar Electricity. Engineering for Photovoltaic Systems.

UN [2009]: United Nations – www.un.org [accessed on: 20/06/2009]

Planet Ark [2009]: Planet Ark –

http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/37015/story.htm - [accessed on
16/06/2006]

Environmental Expert [2009]: Environemental Expert – http://www.environmental-

expert.com/technology.asp [accessed on 10/06/2009]

G8 [2009]: G8 Gleneagles – http://www.g8.gov.uk/sevelet/Front [accessed on

10/06/2009]