Solar PV
The sun is a powerful source of clean, renewable energy. Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can convert sunlight into electricity, which can then be used to power your home. This can save you money on your energy bills and help to reduce your carbon footprint.
How do they work?
Solar PV systems, also known as solar panels, convert sunlight into electricity. They do this through the solar cells they contain, which are made from thin layers of a semiconductor material (traditionally silicon) between layers of glass.
The electricity produced by the solar cells is direct current (DC). It then passes through an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC), the type of electricity that is used in homes.
When your solar panels are generating electricity, it will be used in any appliances that are switched on at the time. If you are generating more electricity than you are using, the excess electricity will be sent back to the grid.
If you want to store this excess energy to be used later, there is additional equipment that can be used to store this as hot water in a hot water cylinder, or as electricity through using a domestic battery.
What’s great about solar PV
- Control Rising Energy Rates
Solar energy can help you dramatically reduce your electric bill for the next 20 years. With rising energy rates, a solar investment can save you money and protect you from future rate hikes.
- Financial Incentives
There are a variety of financial incentives available to help you make the switch to solar. These incentives can include tax credits, rebates, and grants. Ecosphere can help you find the best financial options for your business.
- Reduce CO₂ Emissions
Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that can help you reduce your carbon footprint. By switching to solar, you can help protect the environment and improve your corporate social responsibility.
- High Reliability & Low Maintenance
Solar PV systems are extremely reliable and require very little maintenance. The primary maintenance task is just keeping the panels clean. Solar PV modules have warranties of 20 years or more, and should keep working for many years to come.
Challenges with solar PV:
- Solar energy, like all renewable energy sources, has intermittency issues. This means that it is not always available, such as at night or during cloudy or rainy weather.
- Solar energy panels require additional equipment, such as inverters, to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity that is used in homes. For a continuous supply of electric power, especially for on-grid connections, photovoltaic (PV) panels also require storage batteries. This can add considerably to the investment cost of PV panels.
- Although PV panels have no significant maintenance or operating costs, they are fragile and can be damaged relatively easily. Therefore, it is important to have adequate insurance to protect your PV investment.
