Research Article

Modeling the Feasibility of Using Solar Thermal Systems for Meeting the Heating Requirements at Corn Ethanol Production Facilities

Table 1

State natural gas rates (2011 data) and payback period modeled for a realistic flat plate collector [41].

LocationNatural Gas Price
(USD/GJ)
Payback Period (years)First Year Cost Savings (USD/yr)

 Logansport, IN5.2314.0$63,331

 Gibson City, IL6.2511.8$78,065

 Cambria, WI6.4412.2$74,704

 Marshall, MN5.1614.9$58,551

 Watertown, SD5.5813.3$67,117

 Richardton, ND4.7116.1$52,657

 Arthur, IA5.4113.6$65,362

 St. Joseph, MO7.819.1$106,214

 Sutherland, NE5.1612.4$73,435

 Torrington, WY4.5514.1$62,242

Burley, ID5.9210.6$88,250

 Yuma, CO5.4111.4$80,895

 Russell, KS5.1011.8$77,542

 Arkalon, KS5.1011.2$82,357

 Plainview, TX3.9012.9$69,911

 Imperial Valley, CA6.527.4$134,057

 Stockton, CA6.527.9$123,613

Maricopa, AZ6.367.5$132,576