Photovoltaic Power
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| The conversion of the sun's energy
directly to electricity using photovoltaics or
"PV" is a relatively new application of solar
energy. While many people think of PV as technology used
only by NASA or on consumer products such calculators and
watches, most of today's photovoltaic systems are used
for remote power applications that require a small
reliable power source.
Buildings located away from the utility grids no longer must sacrifice modern electrical appliances and associated comforts or tolerate the constant drone of an electric generating system. Solar electric power can silently provide all the energy required to provide modern conveniences. Photovoltaic however are not limited to remote areas. Regardless of application, the basic operation is the same. Sunlight is converted directly to electricity for immediate use, or is stored in batteries for later use. PV power has great potential for widespread use for several reasons. Photovoltaics is highly modular, extremely reliable and environmentally benign, it works the same way in small or large applications. Photovoltaics has a flexibility that allows users to start small and expand gradually. PV power supplies have no moving parts and accomplish its sunlight-to-electricity conversion entirely with solid-state electronic components. This type of operation results in reliable equipment and low maintenance costs.
A typical photovoltaic power system includes the PV panels or modules, a battery system and a charge controller. A system designed to power alternating current (AC) devices or equipment uses an inverter to convert the DC energy produced by the photovoltaic system to the AC current use by most household appliances. The uses of photovoltaic systems are limited only by the imagination. In addition to providing electric power in inside buildings, PV systems are used cost effectively for lighting walkways, security areas and similar. Lighting applications away from existing utility lines by eliminating the need to extend electrical wiring to the area. A parking lot away from a building can be lit for convenience and safety with PV powered lights. Photovoltaic lighting and call boxes can be installed cost effectively on paths, walkways and jogging trails in places where electric wiring would be to expensive to install.
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Today
photovoltaic systems are powering individual buildings
including small vacation cottages, remote homes and
commercial facilities where there is no connection to the
utility grid. Additionally PV systems are powering
applications outside buildings including: remote area
lighting for parking areas, jogging trails and walkways;
water pumping; data collection; radio and microwave
repeater stations, and warning and obstruction lights for
buoys and offshore structures. 
