Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Solar photovoltaic systems directly convert sunlight into the same kind of electricity we receive from the local public utility company. Getting electricity from the sun is not a new concept or technology. In fact, Albert Einstein received the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921 for explaining the photoelectric effect.

However, solar PV systems have come a long way. Originally used to generate power for remote users, such as satellites travelling hundreds of miles above us, or for homes miles away from the nearest utility wire, solar PV systems are now used by mainstream consumers. Solar PV is now used to generate power for homes, commercial properties, government buildings and other properties who receive electricity from a local utility, but who want to supplement current electricity sources with clean renewable energy generated on-site. These solar PV systems are connected to the “grid”. Grid-connected systems are connected to the local utility’s electricity transmission and distribution grid and feed electricity into either the property owner’s electrical system and/or the grid. When the solar PV system produces more electricity than is needed by the homeowner, the meter spins backwards. When that happens, you automatically sell energy back to the utility and credits appear on your electric bill.

In 2007, the world-wide solar PV industry generated over $17 billion in sales for the installation of nearly 3,000 megawatts of power, the vast majority of which were connected to the utility grid. This is the equivalent of installing solar PV systems on approximately one million homes. Although thousands of property owners in the United States installed solar PV systems, Germany, Japan and Spain led all worldwide installations.

To read more on How a Solar PV System Works, click here.