FACTS  about PHOTOVOLTAICS

Since 2002, worldwide photovoltaic production has increased more than 20% every year; it ’s growing faster than any other energy technology. Currently there are over 100 companies manufacturing photovoltaic cells around the world. Intense competition continues to drive prices down.

Electrical power demand from utility companies is greatest during the day. Since that’s when PV power is generated, photovoltaics can help to prevent power outages.

What happens if your PV system enables you to generate more electricity than your house is using? According to net metering incentives currently in place in 35 states (including Connecticut), you can sell your excess electricity back to the power company. For more details, go to: http://www.ctenergyinfo.com/dpuc_net_metering.htm

Tax incentives, rebates, low-interest loans and other financial incentives make solar energy more affordable than ever before. These incentives vary by state; the most up-to-date details can be found at the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (www.dsireusa.org).

Although residential PV panels are most often installed on the roof, they can also be mounted on the ground.

CT Electrical Services is one of Connecticut’s leading installers of photovoltaic systems. CT Electrical has the capability to design and install PV systems of all sizes for commercial and residential applications. Call toll-free today for a free solar evaluation --877-723-9052.

Once a PV system has been installed, very little maintenance is required. To ensure maximum efficiency, you just have to keep the panels clean.

Currently, high-performance PV panels are available that can convert about 20% of available light into electricity, but most conventional panels have efficiencies in the 14% to 17% range.

Photovoltaic cells will continue to generate electricity during a cloudy day; they will just not generate as much electricity as on a sunny day.

Most photovoltaic systems (both residential and commercial) are grid-connected or grid-tied systems, which means that the home or business can get its electricity from the PV array or from the utility company. Over 200,000 photovoltaic systems worldwide are “off the grid,” which means that no other source of electricity is used. These stand-alone systems utilize batteries to store electricity for use when solar power isn’t available.

Assuming a functional lifetime of 30 years, a PV system will generate 10 to 30 times the energy used in its manufacture.

Photo courtesy of NREL

Check out these sites for more information about Solar PV:

Video: Tips on Purchasing a PV System

http://www.ctcleanenergy.com
Great site for education and rebate information

http://www.ctsolarlease.com/
Connecticut Solar Lease Program

Connecticut consumer's guide to buying a Solar electric system [PDF]

http://www.solarconnecticut.org
Excellent site for education on solar highly recommend

http://www.dsireusa.org
Incentives site

How a typical solar PV system works

Most solar PV systems are “grid-connected,” which means that homeowners use electricity supplied from solar panels as well as electricity supplied by the electric utility company. A solar PV system is easy to retrofit because the solar electricity feeds into the home’s main service panel after passing through an inverter that turns direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). On a sunny day when home electrical demands are low, the solar electricity you generate can actually feed into the electrical grid, and the electric company will credit you for the excess power your solar system generates. Drawing courtesy of U.S. Dept. of Energy.