What is Solar Energy?
Solar energy takes advantage of the sun’s rays to generate heat or electricity. It is an infinitely renewable resource and unique for its ability to generate energy in a quiet, clean, and consistent manner.
How does Solar Technology work?
Photovoltaic cells are comprised of a semiconductor material, most commonly silicon. Adding common doping agents like phosphorous and boron, create conductivity within the cell and activate the movement of electrons. Doping each side of the crystal lattice in dissimilar elements attracts “free floating” electrons to one side, creating voltage potential. Sunlight on photovoltaic modules produces [...]
What is a grid-tied solar system?
The system is tied to the power grid (local electric power utility company). The solar power is added to the grid power, reducing the amount of power that must be purchased from the utility.
What is an off-grid solar system?
An off-grid solar energy system is where there is no connection to the utility company power grid. This type of installation requires a charge-controller, a bank of batteries and in most cases an inverter, so that electric power requirements can be met at night or during cloudy conditions.
How long will a solar PV system last?
Solar modules are known to last 40 years or longer. Typical guarantees of a solar module include ten years workmanship and materials warranty and a 20-25 year performance warranty. The typical PV module performance warranty will guarantee 90% of rated production for 10-15 years, and 80% for 20-25 years. Solar modules are designed to withstand [...]
Will the solar module technology be obsolete in a few years?
The technology used in commercial modules has been in production for over 20 years. Improvements have been gradual year over year. There are some promising developments in laboratory solar cells but nothing imminent that is deployable in real-world conditions.
What is the future outlook of the solar industry?
The use of solar energy is growing rapidly, with global installed capacity increasing from 5 GW in 2005 to more than 140 GW in 2014, led by Germany, China and Italy. Capacity is doubling every 2.5 years, and has exceeded 300 GW by 2016. Solar PV is a mature technology, and widespread adoption is happening because [...]