Commonly known as a solar power system or solar cells the word
“photovoltaic” comes from the term “photo” which means light and “voltaic” which
means volt. Photovoltaic is shortened to
the abbreviation PV and is a scientific term used to describe a solar
cell. A solar cell converts sunlight
directly into electricity. Capturing the
power of the sun and making it into usable electricity.
Capturing light power was first described by using a
magnifying glass to focus the sun’s rays.
According to historical accounts,
in 7th century BC the sun’s rays were concentrated with a magnifying
glass to create fire to use as an ancient extermination method. In particular, ants were killed by harnessing
the power of the sun. That’s gross but at the time it was considered
cutting edge.
In the late 1800s several US patents describe solar
cells. In 1921 when Albert Einstein won a
Noble prize for his theories explaining the photoelectric effect. This
was a well-deserved reward for over 15 years of research and writings. But it wasn’t until the 1950s when the first
“usable” solar cell was developed. At
Bell labs the trio of Daryl Chapin, Calvin Fuller and Gerald Pearson are
credited for the first solar cell capable of producing enough power to run
common electrical equipment. The
accidental discovery was hailed by the New York Times as the beginning of a new
era. Indeed it was a defining event in
the history of renewable energy.
Today photovoltaic energy is used to power everything from
handheld calculators to cars to airplanes.
Photovoltaic systems like the one
in the picture are commonplace as a renewable energy resource for homes, farms
and businesses. Functional, high-tech
commercial, industrial and residential photovoltaic (PV) systems can be
stand-alone or grid-tied.
Stand-alone PVs are seen in remote locations where utility
power is impractical or inaccessible.
These systems are separate from the power grid
and require batteries to store the power.
Grid-tied PVs are connected to the power grid. In this case, the business or homeowner
becomes an energy producer. Producing
power for themselves, with any excess generated power going back to the
grid. A net metering agreement with the
local power company and net metering equipment is necessary.
Harnessing the power of the sun through a photovoltaic
system produces clean emissions-free electricity. It is true that greenhouse
gas emissions are produced during the manufacturing process of PV equipment. But, the energy produced during the useful
life of the product results in zero ghg emissions. It’s not uncommon to see manufactures
warranties for 20 – 25 years, with the useful life perhaps spanning even
greater. Making photovoltaic power a
very popular “go-green” solution.
Three Phase can design, build and install a photovoltaic
system for your home, farm or business. We
work with both grid-tie and stand-alone systems. We can install a single array of solar panels
or string multiple arrays together. Photovoltaic
systems can also be combined with wind power.
One nice thing about alternative energy is you can start out with a
smaller system and add to it later.
