Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Photovoltaics (PV) is the active solar technology which produces electricity from solar radiation using solar cells encapsulated win panels called PV modules.

Photovoltaic System Types

There are two broad categories of PC systems, grid-tied systems which are connected to the public electricity grid, and stand-alone systems which are not.

Grid-tied Photovoltaic is essentially a technology used in urban, suburban and light industrial zones of the developed world. It needs a stable grid infrastructure. In terms of PV module sales this is the largest market sector.

Stand-alone Photovoltaics is generally more rural and found where there is no grid. Major market sectors are telecom, remote homes and buildings of any kind, holiday cottages, national parks, recreational vehicles, small solar home systems (SHSs) in rural areas of the developing world. However, there is also a significant market for stand-alone photovoltaics in urban and suburban areas in the developing world – for street furniture such as solar powered bus shelters, parking meters, traffic signs, etc. In fact photovoltaics can be used to provide electricity practically anywhere on the planet, from the Arctic to the tropics.

Photovoltaics Unique Selling Points

Photovoltaics is a technology with many advantages and unique selling points. It is worth summarising them:

• Photovoltaic technology is mature, robust and reliable, has no moving parts and requires minimum maintenance.
• No fuel or supply chain needed.
• Photovoltaic systems are relatively easy and quick to install – particularly grid-tied systems.
• The components used in photovoltaic systems have proved themselves during long use, they are weather resistant, UV resistant and can withstand extremes of temperature – in space exploration photovoltaics power space station life support systems.
• It is modular, systems can be any size – from a pocket calculator to a sports stadium.
• Stand-alone photovoltaics can supply power practically anywhere on the planet.
• Photovoltaic systems reduce emissions of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.
• Photovoltaic systems reduce pollution generally.
• Photovoltaic systems help save scarce resources.
• Photovoltaics generate more energy than it consumes – the energy consumed in the production of the modules is recouped within between 2 to 7 years, depending on location and system type.
• Photovoltaic modules are recyclable, various technologies exist which can recycle modules at the end of their lives or if they have been damaged; the cells, the glass, the aluminium frames can be either reused or recycled.
• Photovoltaics promote energy awareness – home owners with grid-tied systems become interested in low energy appliances; with stand alone systems low energy appliances are essential.
• Photovoltaic systems add to the value of the building on which they are installed.
• Photovoltaics is a popular technology and is a good advertisement for renewable energy generally.
• Photovoltaics is a rapidly expanding market nearly everywhere, one in which different types of businesses can find a niche.

Arguments for the Installation of Solar Systems

• As solar systems are energy supplies completely free of exhaust gases, their owners contribute actively to climate protection.
• Solar systems, with their average lifetime of 20 years, demonstrate a sophisticated and reliable technology.
• Operators of solar systems avoid additional expenses due to increases of energy prices and green taxes; thereby they gain some economic independence.
• The largest cost item of solar thermal systems is the capital commitment. The cost may be calculated accurately and in advance over many years. In contrast, fuel costs for conventional heating plants vary strongly and are not calculable in advance, say 20 years ahead. Therefore, a solar system is a safe investment providing a…..
• Solar systems have low maintenance requirements and need, if at all, little electrical auxiliary power.
• Operators of solar systems often benefit from tax advantages and government subsidies.
• Solar systems enhance the value and image of a property. Solar houses are easier to lease.
• In buildings with solar systems, the rent, inclusive of heating may be increased a little.
• Solar systems use a permanently available energy source. The application of solar systems conserves conventional energy sources (oil, gas, etc.). They provide countries with greater economic and political independence.
• The purchase and application of solar systems ensures and enhances expert knowledge in the country. This establishes a stable basis for positive economic development and opens new domestic an international markets.
• Having a solar systems is demonstrating responsibility.
• Due to the continued extension of the use of solar thermal energy, new jobs are added in industry and trade skills.