Electricity derived from coal and natural gas will never be able to outweigh the energy and continual resources required to produce it.
Systems also require periodic maintenance. Trim growing trees or shrubs that may start to shade the array. Keeping modules dust- and debris-free will help keep performance at its peak. A quick system output check can confirm that all is in good working order. (For tips on maximizing PV system performance, see “Pump Up the Power” in this issue.) Keeping your PV system in optimal working order will minimize PV system energy payback time, decrease the use of fossil fuels and associated CO2 production, and reduce the money you will need to spend on utility power or backup generator fuel.
Conventional Power vs. PV
Electricity derived from coal and natural gas will never be able to outweigh the energy and continual resources required to produce it. Additionally, there are the associated environmental impacts of global warming and air, water, and soil pollution due to the emissions from fossil-fuel based power plants, and the environmental impacts of mining, drilling, and transporting coal and natural gas.
Unlike conventional energy sources, PV systems produce clean electricity for decades after achieving their energy payback in three or fewer years-this is truly the magic of PV technology.
this should answer some of your questions about PV Energy Payback times and costs. It just makes sense, if we no longer need part or all of the Utilities resources to power our homes, we will then save money in the long run. If your planning on keeping your home for at least 3 years, it will pay off for you.
By learning how to build your own solar panel system, you’ll save even more and shorten your payback time substantially. You can learn to built your own solar panels simply and efficiently with the instructions available at the link that’s highlighted. These kits, which include video instructions and as well as well written and informative manuals, teach you where to find the materials locally and cheaply, how to assemble them, and mount the units to your home. It can’t be simpler, and does make for a fun weekend project. Also on this site you’ll find books and other resources that are informative on solar and wind power as well as sustainable living, green construction, tax’s and grants that are available, and fun solar products for your home. Check it out!
Access
Resources:
Alsema, Erik & Mariska de Wild-Scholten. 26-27 November 2007.
“Reduction of Environmental Impacts in Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic
Technology-An Analysis of Driving Forces and Opportunities.”
Materials Research Society, Fall 2007 meeting, Symposium R, Boston.
“PV Payback,” Karl Knapp & Theresa Jester, HP80
Thanks to Erik Alsema, Karl Knapp, and project CrystalClear
(www.ipcrystalclear.info) for their help and resources.