Photovoltaics (Solar Electricity)

Photovoltaics (Solar Electricity)

Sunlight converted directly to electricity through solar cells is known as photovoltaic (PV) energy. Solar cells come in a variety of sizes and produce electricity as long as light shines on them. Solar cells used for electrical generation are a more sophisticated version of the solar cells used in calculators and other small household electronic devices.

PV cells generate direct current (DC). This means that to use PV generated electricity directly, DC appliances and lights must be used. These are used in recreational vehicles and on boats. Otherwise, to use conventional household appliances the power must be converted to alternating current (AC), which is the form supplied by utilities. This means that a solar electric system has to be designed to convert the power to AC.

Although prices have been reduced dramatically in recent years, and they are still dropping, a PV is system is expensive. They are cost effective for some special applications, especially in remote areas away from utility grids, where you have to generate your own electricity. Recreational vehicles and boats are other common applications.

Because of the higher initial cost of a PV system, a careful electrical load analysis must be done to establish required capacity. The efficiency of appliances to be supplied by the electric system must also be considered. It is usually more cost effective to reduce demand for electricity than to install a larger alternate system.