"Solar Energy is no longer a Science Fair project."
The time is right to invest in a solar pv system. Solar systems are more efficient, reliable and economical than ever. Advanced technologies have resulted in higher-performance photovoltaic panels and more installation options, which Federal and State rebates and tax incentives provide significant financial benefits.
PHOTOVOLTAICS
The sustainable energy system currently in greatest demand is photovoltaic. It is a clean, reliable, and cost-effective source of energy. Modern solar panels come in a variety of sizes and types. Once installed, they require little or no maintenance because there a few mechanical parts involved. They are virtually unaffected by natural elements and have a life span of 30 or more years.
The different styles of modules available today range from panels to shingles to film which makes customizing more exact to the project. The arrays can be either roof mounted or ground mounted. And, being modular in nature, extra modules can be added as energy needs increase. It is a flexible system, suitable to the needs of individual homes as well as large agricultural or
industrial configurations.
Grid-Tied System
Most systems in or adjacent to an urban area are grid tied, or connected to your standard electric utility service via your electric meter. Your electric meter tracks your power usage, spinning forwards when you take electricity from the utility and spinning backwards when your system is generating more electricity than you use. On sunny days you not only provide electricity for all your immediate needs but the system “banks” any surplus on the utility meter and feeds it back to the utility service which generates a credit account. At night or during cloudy days the system automatically draws the electricity you need from your credit account. In this way, you always have a smooth, uninterrupted flow of power. (Most utility services will not yet purchase extra power).
An inverter is installed to take the direct current from the solar panel and change it into alternating current. Web-Based Performance Monitoring provides real-time verification of system performance.
Off-Grid System
This system requires a battery bank backup to store extra electricity and is particularly suited to remote areas outside of the utility service grid. It is more costly than grid-tied systems but offers complete independence.
For further information about how solar works see www.solar.sharpusa.com or www.kyocerasolar.com. |
