Solar Photovoltaic (Pv) System

Solar electricity or photovoltaic technology uses the sun’s energy to make electricity. PV cells produce electricity from sunlight. A complete PV system usually consists of one or more modules connected to an inverter that changes the PV’s DC electricity to Alternating Current (AC) electricity to power your electrical devices and to be compatible with the electric grid. Batteries are often included in the system to provide backup power. The size of one’s PV system is determined by the amount of watt-hours one uses.

PV modules must have a clear “view” of the sun for most or all of the day – unobstructed by trees, roof gables, chimneys, buildings and other features of your home and the surrounding landscapes. Some PV systems have batteries that can provide back-up power to your home or business in case of utility grid outages.

There are two basic types of inverters: True Sine Wave Inverter and Modified Sine Wave Inverter. A True Sine Wave Inverter transforms the direct current for the PV modules to alternating Current. This transformation may also synchronize your system with the utility’s system. A Modified Sine Wave Inverter converts the AC power from the utility grid into DC power that can be used to power DC loads at your site, or to charge batteries. Because of weather variations, it is difficult for PV systems to furnish all the power you may need, they are typically used in conjunction with utility-supplied electricity.

Most of PV electricity’s cost comes from the expense of initially purchasing the system. You will appreciate the reduction in your monthly electricity bills, even though the initial investment is substantial. With the PV system, people are less vulnerable to future price increases and possible power cuts, hence providing independence. The cost of extending conventional power to one’s residence is higher than the cost of a solar option.