Solar Photovoltaic (or Solar PV) is an electric power system which converts solar radiation (light) into direct current electricity (power). The system features solar panels which absorb and convert sunlight into electricity, thus supplying usable solar energy. As Solar PV has been recognised as a renewable energy in recent years, development has been on the rise. Since 2002, production has doubled every 2 years making it the world’s fastest-growing solar power and energy technology. Here are some of the massive benefits to Solar PV:
- The panels themselves are designed to generate power every day simply by exposure to light. This means that even on a cloudy day, your Solar PV can still produce energy.
- Over the course of 1 year, you can reduce your carbon emissions by up to 1 tonne by using ‘clean’ and ‘silent’ energy
- Solar PV enables you to produce your own power, which will protect you against rising energy prices
- Solar PVsystems do not release any harmful air or water pollution into the environment, take a toll on natural resources, or endanger any lives
You can also personally make money by installing Solar PV at your property. The Government have set up a ‘feed-in tariff’ whereby they pay you per kWh of electricity generated by your solar panels, plus an additional fee for any exported back to the national grid. The Government explain: “If your application is successful, you’ll get a set amount for each unit (kilowatt hour or kWh) of electricity you generate – a ‘generation tariff’. The rates vary depending on:
- the size of your system
- what technology you install
- when your system was installed
- how energy efficient your home is.”
