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Solar
Power - Photovoltaic FAQ Page
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- What
is a photovoltaic cell?
A photovoltaic cell is a silicon
semi-conductor that can convert
the light energy emitted by the
sun into usable electric
current.
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How are
photovoltaic cells
environmentally friendly?
These efficient, self contained
units gather the energy of the
sun that normally goes unused
and provides a sustainable
energy source that produces
absolutely no waste and reduces
our demand on environmentally
detrimental energy sources.
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How can photovoltaic cells be
used to provide usable
electricity?
The photovoltaic cells provide a
current that is not directly
usable in most appliances.
A charge controller regulates
the electricity from the
photovoltaic cells and converts
it into a form that can be
stored in an array of batteries.
The batteries are usually
specially designed systems that
store a large amount of energy.
This energy can be used to
supplement the power purchased
from the local power company and
in some cases, it can cause the
electricity meter to move
backwards! This means that
your monthly bill will
dramatically decrease; some
systems provide more energy than
is needed, so it is possible to
receive rebates by selling
electricity to the power
company.
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Where can
these solar systems be used?
These systems vary in size, cost
and the amount of electricity
produced. They can be used
in remote ("off-grid") areas or
in residential neighborhoods
that are connected to the power
grid ("on-grid"). The
convenience of these systems is
remarkable, they can be used to
power remote stations,
telecommunication systems, water
pumping and sterilization as
well as businesses and
factories.
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Are the
materials used in photovoltaic
cells harmful to the
environment?
The main components of
photovoltaic cells are glass,
silicon and aluminum. Many
manufacturers will even use
recycled aluminum to minimize
the impact of manufacturing on
the environment!
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Can
photovoltaic cells be used in
hot regions?
Most cells will produce a
decreasing amount of voltage
with increasing temperatures.
However, there are specially
engineered cells that will continue to
produce voltage under extremely
hot conditions.
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Are
photovoltaic cells fragile?
These cells have an outer layer
of tempered glass that is
resistant to the elements.
The glass is treated to be
highly transparent while being
able to withstand wind, rain,
sand and hail. They are
also coated with specialized
polymer back sheets that seal
the unit and protect from
moisture collection.
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