What is the energy payback for photovoltaics? Producing electricity with solar photovoltaics (PV) emits no pollution, produces no greenhouse gases, and uses no finite fossil-fuel resources. The environmental benefits of PV are great. But just as we say that it takes money to make money, it also takes energy to save energy. The term “energy […]
Part 1 of Arizona Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Solar Electric System. Are you thinking about buying a PV system for your home or business? If so, this series will provide basic information that you need to know. Consumer’s in Arizona are showing increased interest in solar electric systems for their homes and businesses. These […]
No PV system is maintenance-free. Schedule regular inspections of your system to ensure that the wiring and contacts are free from corrosion, the modules are clear of debris, and the mounting equipment has tight fasteners. You should also monitor the power output of your PV modules, the state-of-charge and electrolyte level of your batteries, and […]
People select PV systems for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons for selecting a PV system include: Cost—When the cost is high for extending the utility power line or using another electricity-generating system in a remote location, a PV system is often the most cost-effective source of electricity. Reliability—PV modules have no moving parts […]