Solar - Harnessing the Sun's Energy

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Photovoltaic (PV) systems produce electricity generated from sunlight. These systems have the flexibility to be mounted on a roof, or a parking structure,,or on the grounds of the facility. The electricity is then sent to a device called an inverter, which converts direct current electricity into alternating current electricity.

The AC electricity then travels from the inverter to the electrical service at the breaker box, where power is circulated throughout the facility. If there is excess power, it is directed to the electric meter, causing the meter to register the production and gain a renewable energy credit with the utility company.

There are two types of PV systems that are commonly used on a commercial scale: crystalline panels and thin film.

Crystalline Panels:

• Crystalline panels are primarily made from silicon and blended with boron to form crystalline ingots. 
• Crystalline panels are extremely durable, withstanding 125 M.P.H. winds, surviving one-inch hail at terminal velocity and thermal cycling at high temperatures. 
• For every unit of solar energy that hits the cell, the crystalline panel can generally convert 15-18% of this energy into electricity.

Thin Film:

• A thin film option is easier to install, lightweight and adaptable. 
• Thin film is also derived from silicon, but with the additional materials like copper indium diselenide, allows flexibility in attachment to surfaces. 
• They have low manufacturing costs and can be tailored into a variety of shapes. 
• Even though they come at a lower cost, they do, however, produce a lower efficiency output, around 12%.