INTERACTION OF GEOMORPHOLOGY AND THE OPTIMIZATION OF ALTERNATE ENERGY INSTALLATIONS

To examine alternate energy systems (wind, solar, water) the Center of Basic and Applied Science (CBAS, INC) constructed 2 homes in a remote forested area in Virginia. The larger 2000 sq.ft. home is on the typical topography that develops on the late Precambrian Lynchburg Formation (rolling hills, thin soil). For electrical power, solar panels were installed. The ranch-style home (1 story, rectangular) uses "green" technology, and is located on a tree-free hill with the longest side facing south. Pedestal mounted solar panels, whose orientation can be changed to follow the daily and seasonal movements of the sun, are also placed in a shade-free location. The smaller 1000 sq.ft. home is adjacent to a post-Pleistocene flood plain, in a narrow meta-sandstone walled valley. A 100 foot long dam was constructed to form a 15 foot deep 3 acre lake.

Since the incoming stream drains 1000 acres the stream always flows. The pipe which keeps the water from over-flowing the dam is near the top of the dam, and makes a 10 foot water fall in which a hydroturbine can make electrical power. The solar-power system is rated at 0.5 kilowatts, and produces about 6-8 kilowatts during the 6-8 hours that sunlight activates the panels. The hydro-power system is also rated at 0.5 kilowatts, but runs constantly and can produce more than 10 kilowatts/day. While more powerfull, the hydro-power system requires much more maintenance than the solar-power system.