It is important to realize that photovoltaic power systems are expensive when compared with the low price of utility power in North America and the rest of the world. Normally.

You should reserve the electric power produced by photovoltaic modules for your most energy-efficient appliances, tools, lights, etc.

Although it is technically possible, heating with photovoltaic systems is generally not recommended. You can easily and more efficiently collect heat with a solar thermal system.

A solar water heater or a solar pool heater, as mentioned earlier, generates more hot water with less initial cost than any photovoltaic-powered heater.

Also, for cooking, it is normally more cost-effective and convenient to use a stove that operates on propane or natural gas rather than solar electricity.

Stand alone solar-powered homes and cottages often rely on wood cook stoves for cooking and space heating. Refrigerators are becoming more energy efficient, so the cost of operating them with solar power is now feasible. There are some great energy-efficient products now.

From an economic point of view, first consider investing in energy-efficient electric AC appliances, and then size your photovoltaic system based on actual consumption (read our post on How to Size your Home Made Renewable Energy System). For example, using compact fluorescent lights will reduce your electrical consumption for lighting by 80 percent or more.

In our next post we will discuss the types of solar panels to choose. Stay tuned

The term photovoltaic is derived from a combination of the Greek word for light “photo”, and “Volta,” the name of the Italian physicist, Alessandro Volta, who invented the battery in 1800.

The photovoltaic effect is the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity. This process does not generate much heat like solar domestic hot water or solar pool heating systems do. It also differs from the process used in solar thermal, where concentrated solar energy is used to produce steam that activates a turbine connected to a generator.

Photovoltaic power systems do not have any moving parts. They are reliable, require little maintenance and generate no noise or pollutants. Photovoltaic systems are great in that they are modular. The building blocks or cells come in a wide range of power capabilities, from a fraction of a watt to more that 300 W.

Modules can be connected to achieve the power that your application requires. Some large photovoltaic power plants have several megawatts of power, although most installed PV systems are much smaller. Unfortunately, there is a lot of the sun’s energy lost in this transfer of energy from light to electricity. Everyday larger and more efficient panels are manufactured as technology & research develop to produce more efficient solar cells.

Even though solar panels are not that efficient at converting light to electricity, they remain a very good choice in the search for renewable energy system because of their low maintenance and long life.

Properly installed, your solar panel array should last around 50 years. Not a bad long term investment for most people.

The Advantages of PV Power Systems

Users of photovoltaic power systems appreciate their quiet, low-maintenance, pollution-free, safe and reliable operation, as well as the degree of independence they provide.

Why else should you consider a PV system?

If you are at some distance from an electrical grid, it may be cheaper to generate your own power rather than pay to extend transmission lines from the grid.

Fossil fuel- Diesel, gasoline or propane generators are the main alternatives, but many people find them noisy, polluting and costly to run and maintain. You can check our Bio Diesel Fuel information as a source of clean renewable energy option.

It also makes little sense to turn on a 5-kW generator to power a few 100-W light bulbs or the TV. Photovoltaic systems reduce the negative aspects of generators by using them only as a backup.
When capital cost is an issue, or when photovoltaic systems alone are not enough to replace an existing generator, you can use a wind generator as part of a hybrid system. It works great and reduces the use of the generator.

This kind of charging system is more efficient than a generator running continuously at low load. In addition to saving fuel and lowering maintenance costs, you will increase the generator’s life span.

Also, since the solar panels and battery banks are modular, you can expand the photovoltaic system gradually as your budget or needs increase. That, we think is the best part.