Why Solar Cell

Consumers and businesses also benefit from PV when faced with power outages and future electricity price increases. Recent technological breakthroughs, combined with federal and state programs and incentives, have greatly reduced the costs of PV ownership. The U.S Department of Energy, in conjunction with its partner national laboratories, university researchers, and industry are working every day to continue reducing the costs of PV. Depending upon where you live and taking into account current utility pricing, state and local incentives offered in some parts of the United States and other benefits, PV can be competitively priced with traditional energy sources. Also, PV system reliability and durability are outstanding — typical PV systems may last 30 years with minimal maintenance.

Will Solar Cell Work On My Home or Business

A PV system needs unobstructed access to the sun's rays for most or all of the day, throughout the year. Don't worry if you live in an area with a changing climate. PV modules are relatively unaffected by severe weather. In fact, some PV cells actually work better in colder weather. PV modules are angled to catch the sun, not snow, so any snow that does collect melts quickly. Even hail won't harm them. But you will need adequate roof space to mount your PV system. Most residential systems require as little as 50 square feet (for a small "starter" system) up to as much as 1,000 square feet for larger systems. Whether you are considering a retrofit to an existing roof, or proposing a system in your new construction plans, solar electricity can be a viable source of energy for your home or office.

But remember, an energy-efficient building needs a smaller PV system. In other words, the more energy efficient your home or office is, the less energy you will need to produce. A typical one-kilowatt system would occupy from 80 to 360 square feet. The size of your system will be dependent upon your energy needs and usage habits. As part of your purchase process, a solar professional such as a designer or installer, should work with you to assess your needs and the appropriate of size of your system. A PV system can be installed on any type of roof, although some roof types are simpler and cheaper to work with than others. If your roof is older and needs to be replaced in the very near future, you will want to replace it at the time the PV system is installed to avoid the cost of removing and reinstalling your PV system.

A typical PV system consists of solar cells connected electrically to form a module that can measure two to four feet wide and four to six feet long. Some solar modules look just like traditional roof shingles. Many interconnected PV modules are called an array. An array is often mounted on the roof of a building, facing south at an angle, so that the modules receive the maximum amount of sunlight. Other typical features of a PV system are an inverter, which changes your electricity from direct current to alternating current so it can be used by most standard appliances and computers. Batteries may also be added for emergency backup in the event of power outages or in cases where your PV system is not connected to utility power lines.

How does a photovoltaic system work