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“Is Photovoltaic Power an alternative energy that right for me?”
A question many homeowners and businesses
are beginning to ask. Photovoltaic Power is a
developing alternative energy technology with potential to become a major source of
alternative energy. Also known as photovoltaic
electricity, or PV for short, it works on the direct conversion of light into electrical
energy.
A global demand for cleaner, more efficient, alternative energy sources has
spurred the move to our planets most readily available alternative energy source: the
sun. Since 2002, photovoltaic power production has
experienced an average annual increase of 48 percent.
This increase in production has resulted in Photovoltaic Power becoming the fastest growing
alternative energy technology.
Another development in Photovoltaic Power is in uses that are considered to
be “off the grid”. Individuals, companies, building
developers, and transportation engineers are routinely including photovoltaic power devices in
their everyday uses. Not just for calculators anymore,
Photovoltaic Power has started to become standard for remote or temporary electrical needs in such
things as construction hazard signs, roadside emergency phones, and even boats and
cars.
Major companies are recognizing the viability of Photovoltaic
Power. Electric producers have already developed
facilities in the USA, Australia, Brazil, and across Europe in an effort to maximize alternative
energy and minimize the need for fossil fuels and coal facilities.
Individuals that previously invested in older solar heat exchange designs are
also starting to make the move to a more efficient and lower maintenance system. Former solar power setups were bulky and intrusive retrofits to
one’s home. Photovoltaic power arrays are more compact
and easier to install. Requiring minimal modifications
to a structure, an array system can be designed that is functional and
aesthetic.
When considering Photovoltaic Power for personal or business use, there are
several considerations one should make:
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Does your location have adequate sunlight to meet your
facilities overall consumption? To assist in determining available sunlight resources
check the Renewable Potential Maps (http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/reps/rpmap/rp_contents.html) provided free of charge from the US Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration.
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Is an available grid connection in your area convenient and
inexpensive? In many metropolitan and
suburban areas grid connections are both convenient and inexpensive when comparing the
cost to establishing Photovoltaic Power sources. In more rural and suburban areas alternative energy can
be cost effective over a period of time.
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Are you looking for alternative energy
independence?
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Are you willing to pay upfront cost in an effort to reduce the environmental
impact of your electricity use?
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Will your utility company connect your system to their electricity grid with the
intention of buying any excess electricity you produce?
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Does your state, city, or utility company offer rebates,
tax credits or other incentives for alternative energy use? Visit http://www.dsireusa.org/ to find out about financial incentives in your
area.
In an area where the electrical grid is not easily accessible, or if one is willing
to absorb the upfront cost of installation, a photovoltaic power array may be an excellent
solution. With the effort to find sensible
alternative energy, there is much incentive to move to Photovoltaic Power.
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