- High Reliability
- Low Operating Costs
- Environmental Benefits
- Modularity
- Low Construction Costs
- Case Studies
High Reliability.
PV cells were originally developed for use in space, where
repair is extremely expensive, if not impossible. PV still powers
nearly every satellite circling the earth because it operates reliably for
long periods of time with virtually no maintenance.
This PV-powered water-level monitor on the Laramie
River in Wyoming will operate reliably for several years with
little or no maintenance. (Photo: W. Gretz, NREL)
Low Operating Costs.
PV cells use
the energy from sunlight to produce electricity—the fuel is
free. With no moving parts, the cells require little upkeep.
These low-maintenance, cost-effective PV systems are ideal for
supplying power to communications stations on mountain tops,
navigational buoys at sea, or homes far from utility power lines.
Once installed, PV power systems can operate
continuously with little upkeep and minimal operating costs—a
great benefit for this telecommunications station in a remote
area of California's Inyo National Forest.
Environmental Benefits.
Because they burn no fuel and have no moving parts, PV systems are clean
and silent. This is especially important where the main
alternatives for obtaining power and light are from diesel
genertors and kerosene lanterns. As we become more aware of
"greenhouse gases" and their detrimental effects on our planet,
clean energy alternatives like PV become more important than
ever.
As we begin to realize and respect the fragility of
our planet's ecosystem, clean power choices like PV become
extremely important. (Photo: NASA)
Modularity.
A PV system can be constructed to any size based on energy requirements.
Furthermore, the owner of a PV system
can enlarge or move it if his or her energy needs change. For
instance, homeowners can add modules every few years as their
energy usage and financial resources grow. Ranchers can use
mobile trailer-mounted pumping systems to water cattle as the cattle
are rotated to different fields.
The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) demonstrated
the modular benefits of PV after Hurricane Andrew in 1993. FSEC employees
deployed this PV emergency power system right at the point where
it was needed after the hurricane. (Photo: FSEC)
Low Construction Costs.
PV systems are usually placed close to where the electricity is
used, requiring much shorter power lines than if power is brought
in from the utility grid. In addition, using PV eliminates the
need for a step-down transformer from the utility line. Less
wiring means lower costs, shorter construction time, and reduced
permitting paperwork, particularly in urban areas.
In the village of Cacimbos in the state of Ceará,
Brazil, people are several miles from a utility grid. So, each of
these homes has a 50-watt PV system to provide enough power for
two fluorescent lights. (Photo: R. Taylor, NREL)
Case Studies.
The following are sample applications where PV is a viable, economical energy source.