Photovoltaic Systems
Photovoltaic, or PV for short, is a technology that converts light directly into electricity. PV is a developing field and utilizes several different technologies: monocrystalline (single crystal), polycrystalline (multiple crystal), cadmium telluride, gallium arsenide, or amorphous silicon deposited as a thin film. The major advantage of monocrystalline cells is their higher efficiency and therefore smaller space requirements. Thin film can be cheaper to manufacture but is significantly less efficient, requiring more area which results in more labor, mounting hardware, and bottom-line costs.
The Solar Company primarily uses SunPower panels, which are monocrystalline technology, giving the customer a better value and more efficient production for their investment.
PV systems are usually either roof-mounted or ground-mounted. On the rooftop, rows of panels (called arrays) are mounted to face south or southwest at or near a 30 degree angle for maximum efficiency. The PV modules are fastened onto aluminum racks which are then secured to the roof framing, providing sufficient support for the array. This same array layout can also be mounted on the ground if the property has large, usable ground space.
Pole mounts are also a popular system, especially in more rural areas. The panels are generally mounted on the top of the pole but can also be mounted onto the side. Top-pole mounts require a steel pole about 12 feet in length set in concrete. These systems may include an auto-tracking feature, which will automatically adjust the angle of the panels to follow the sun's progress throughout the day.
SunPower PV panels have a manufacturer's warranty of 25 years, but are built to last for 40 years. For a PV system with a 10-year payback period, that means the panels will provide 20-30 years of free electricity.
Benefits of Installing a Photovoltaic System
- Economic benefits: Sunlight is free, abundant, and dependable. Solar energy is not subject to rate hikes. PV Systems also allow for energy storage that can be used when needed. As far as the savings of installing a PV System, it has been reported that t he money that can be saved in electricity per month would be greater than the monthly payment to repay a loan taken out to install it. How much does solar cost?
- Environmental Benefits: Solar energy is clean energy: no CO 2 emissions and no cleanup. Because solar energy is renewable, it can help slow down global warming and its negative effects.
