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Sunlight is converted directly into electricity through the use of photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on or near homes, businesses, or other buildings. PV systems can provide a portion or all of a building’s electricity requirements, reducing utility bills as well as reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel electricity generation. PV systems are usually ‘grid-tied’ which means the building is still connected to the local utility so that at night or other times when the PV system is not producing enough electricity to meet demand, the utility can provide the electricity. When the PV system is producing more electricity than the building is using, the extra electricity will actually flow to the utility, literally ‘spinning the meter’ backward. PV systems can also store electricity in batteries to provide back-up power when the local utility power is interrupted, e.g. during storms or brownouts. Most PV modules (panels) are warranted for at least 25 years. A federal tax credit amounting to 30% of the system’s cost is available up to a maximum of $2,000 for homeowners. There is no cap for businesses. A growing number of states offer additional incentives for installing PV systems on homes and businesses. See: http://www.dsireusa.org/ for incentives available in your state. To find solar PV installers in your state and your local Million Solar Roofs/Solar Powers America partnership: http://www.millionsolarroofs.org/ |