The generation of photovoltaic power involves the usage of solar panels, each comprising of multiple numbers of cells which contain a photovoltaic material. Photons of light knock electrons into a higher energy state, and that in turn creates electricity which can power electrical equipment or recharge power cells.
Photovoltaic Solar Panel Usage
Typically photovoltaic solar panels are added to buildings at a later stage than during the build. The most popular location is on top of the roof structure however they are often installed as a standalone unit angled to receive the most sunlight, then connected to the building they are powering. The most common form is the roof-mounted variant which you will see much more readily, in fact during 2010 over 80% of new solar panels were roof mounted.
The term Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is used to describe photovoltaic solar panels which are integrated into new builds, be it domestic or industrial as a supplemental or primary power supply. It is possible to fit solar roof tiles to a building in keeping with the design, or to incorporate the solar panels into the wall of the structure.
You can however use solar panels in various other scenarios such as caravan solar panels which provide additional mobile energy whilst on the move, and there are a variety of portable uses for powering smaller devices such as mobile phones and smaller electrical items.
Advantages of Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Pollution-free: Photovoltaic solar panels are relatively cheap to produce, can be made of recycled materials but most importantly are completely pollution-free when in operation.
Low Maintenance: Once installed, solar panels should be able to operate maintenance-free for many years. Unlike most other types of energy supply they generate next to no operational cost, and the energy supply is endless.
Feed In Tariff Scheme: Unlike other forms of power generation, solar power allows you to sell back any surplus energy to your supplier. The Feed In Tariff Scheme was introduced so consumers could do just that, enabling their solar panels to pay for themselves even faster.
Independent: Photovoltaic solar panels can be introduced almost anywhere, allowing an energy supply to be introduced to places where traditional methods would be impossible or too expensive. Examples would include outbuildings or isolated properties.
Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Solar Panels
Installation Cost: Without comparing solar panel quotes the cost of installation can vary significantly. Though the long warrantees of the panels should eliminate any maintenance costs, getting a cheap quote to begin with will speed up the panels paying for themselves by a large amount.
Night Usage: As expected, performance of the panels drops considerably during the night, so either power storage is needed or an alternate supply if necessary for the evening hours.
