| Photovoltaic systems use solar cells to capture the | | | | converts the direct current (DC) energy generated |
| sun rays and convert that energy into electricity. Such | | | | through the solar panels into alternating current (AC), |
| systems allow homeowners to generate electricity in a | | | | the most common type of current used to power |
| clean, reliable, and quiet way that can offset the cost | | | | buildings in the USA. |
| of future electricity costs and decrease their | | | | Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the |
| dependence on the energy grid. | | | | effectiveness of energy collection, and most roofs - |
| Photovoltaic cells are generally made from modified | | | | from flat to 60-degrees - can accommodate |
| silicon, or other semi conductive materials, that absorb | | | | photovoltaic cells. |
| and convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic cells | | | | Orienting solar panels to the south maximizes the |
| are long lasting (the first PV system ever installed in | | | | effectiveness of energy collection, and most roofs - |
| the USA - in 1954 - is still operating today). Most | | | | from flat to 60-degrees - can accommodate |
| manufacturers warranty their products power output | | | | photovoltaic cells. |
| for a minimum of 20 years. But most solar | | | | Solar Panels vs Building Integrated Photovoltaic |
| professionals agree that a system should last at least | | | | Products (BIPV) |
| 25 - 30 years. | | | | Solar panels are flat panels of photovoltaic arrays |
| Types of Solar Cells | | | | mounted on a roof or a pole to capture the sun's rays. |
| There are three basic types of PV modules: | | | | They are the traditional arrays used to catch energy |
| monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. All modules | | | | from the sun. Because of their standalone design, solar |
| work well though monocrystalline cells often yield the | | | | panels are well suited for home retrofits or remodels. |
| greatest efficiencies. Thin-film technology typically | | | | Solar photovoltaic cells, however, are increasingly |
| costs less and its efficiency is ever improving as | | | | incorporated into building components such as |
| demand for solar panels grow. A growing variety of | | | | windows, walls, or roof tiles. The effect provides a |
| manufacturers and models are available in the | | | | seamless integration into a building's design since the |
| marketplace today. A solar pro can walk you through | | | | BIPV components essentially disappear into the skin of |
| the advantages and disadvantages of each system | | | | your home. BIPV products work particularly well for |
| so that you find a design that performs optimally over | | | | new home construction or a significant remodel. And |
| its multi-decade long lifespan for your application. | | | | because BIPV panels are made for both photovoltaic |
| How solar electric systems work | | | | and thermal collection systems, designers often place |
| Photovoltaic panels are often mounted on a roof and | | | | both technologies side-by-side to further maximize |
| wired into a building via an inverter. The inverter | | | | efficiencies. |