photovoltaic cost
Photovoltaic cells, an array of black squares that consist of a solar panel is getting progressively more efficient, while at the same time, less expensive. All thanks to the evolution of designs that allow them to increase the concentration of gathered sunlight at a point. Along with price, even the cell size is decreasing, making it not only cheaper to produce but also, at the same time, more productive. Today it costs around $4.00 to produce per watt hour of solar generated energy, while it cost nearly double that amount around 17 years ago.
Solar powered electricity gives out zero emission and is certainly safe for the atmosphere and environment as it uses only the sun as its driving force. Owing to rapid development it is now becoming a practical option to place solar panels on the roof tops and is even being used to heat peoples homes, produce electricity and heat water with considerable ease. For water heating, the photovoltaic cell works by encasing the water in the cells from where, on heating, pipes distribute it to various locations.
The ability of Photovoltaic cells to collect sufficient sun radiations even on stormy or cloudy days is increasing. One company, Uni-Solar has particularly developed an array of solar collection cells for use at home that, with a system of advanced technology, is able to store more energy at a time on sunlit days than other arrays and hence gives energy even on incement days.
The PV system is, actually, one more solar power system that is available in the market today. The PV system, on connection to an electrical grid, can transfer to it any excess solar energy collected at a particular residence, thereby allowing other residences to share this. This also lowers the grids dependence on hydroelectricity for electricity production. A few advantages among others, of adopting the PV system is that it keeps costs down as opposed to a full-fledged solar panel, while it simultaneously reduces pollution as well as pressure on the grid system. Certain towns and suburban communities are adopting the centralized solar collection arrays.
Even some big corporations are seriously considering the use of solar power (clearly indicating that solar energy, as an economically viable alternative, has arrived). While Google is installing a 1.6-megawatt plant for solar power generation, at the top of their corporate headquarters, wall mart have made it clear that they want to put in a 100-megawatt system.
Government subsidies are being provided by nations such as Germany, Japan, Switzerland and United States in the form of tax breaks to individuals and companies who use solar power for heat generation or power supply. It is predicted that the number of private investors who will see value in and want to invest in the “green” technology will increase with advance in technology and increase in demand for storage of solar collection material.
About the Author:
Abhishek is an avid Environmentalist and he has got some great Alternative Fuel Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 70 Pages Ebook, “Energy Conservation And Alternative Fuel” from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/643/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Photovoltaic Cells – Astounding Technological Breakthrough For Energy Collection And Storage
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