PV or Photovoltaic systems are becoming more and more popular. Photovoltaic modules convert sunlight into electricity. PV modules are semiconductor devices made of silicon. They produce electricity as long as light shines on them, making solar electricity the cleanest and safest method of power generation. Solar energy is the most reliable, non-polluting resource available.
PV modules generate direct current or DC power, the kind stored in batteries. A power inverter converts DC power into normal 120 volt household current. This power can be stored in batteries or fed directly into the local power grid. Banks of modules are connected together to produce more power.
A typical 3 ft by 5 ft panel is rated at 180 watts of peak power. Ten of these panels would produce 1800 watts in direct sunlight. In one hour 1800 watt/hours (1.8 kWh) would be produced. If a typical year had 1200 hours of sunlight, the system would produce 2160 kWh per year.
System Components:
- PV Panels
- Controller
- Inverter
- Battery charger (optional)
- Batteries (optional)
Financial incentives are available for the installation of PV systems. For more information:
http://ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/power-electricite/index-eng.cfm
The Ontario Power Authority is offering to purchase power produced from PV systems under their micro feed-in tariff or MicroFIT Program. Currently the rate is 80 cents per kilowatt hour.