| The word photovoltaic comes from "photo", meaning | | | | There are many advantages to installing a solar power |
| light, and "voltaic", meaning electricity. | | | | system in your home. These include: |
| A photovoltaic panel is comprised of a collection of | | | | - Saving money on monthly power bill. In some cases |
| solar cells mounted with a layer of silicon under non | | | | the savings can be as much as 75% off your usual bill. |
| reflective glass. These are placed in areas that | | | | - Qualifying for government tax rebates and incentives. |
| receive a lot of direct sunlight, such as on top of a | | | | Both state and federal programs exist to encourage |
| roof. When the sun's rays strike the panel, photons | | | | more citizens to take advantage of solar power. |
| react with the electrons in the silicon. This gets them | | | | - Doing your part to help protect the environment. Solar |
| excited and they begin to move, creating directional | | | | energy is an infinitely renewable resource, unlike |
| current. This current is then channeled into your home | | | | traditional electricity which is produced from coal, oil, |
| as electricity. | | | | natural gas and nuclear power. |
| Because photovoltaic panels are directly dependent on | | | | If you are unsure if solar power will work well in your |
| radiation from the sun to function, they are only | | | | home or business, contact a skilled electrician who has |
| recommended in areas that have a higher solar | | | | experience in photovoltaic panel technology. They will |
| insolation, or a greater percentage of sun exposure. | | | | be able to walk through the process, from installation |
| Factors such as shade, clouds, rain and too few hours | | | | and maintenance to filing all necessary government |
| of daylight will noticeably impact the efficiency of solar | | | | paperwork. |
| panels. | | | | |