Solar cells or photovoltaic (PV) systems collect light energy and convert it into electricity. Solar panels come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can even be made to simulate architectural materials such as shingles. Solar energy can offer the freedom of living off-grid, or the financial incentives of selling power back to the utility company while using an environmentally-friendly renewable resource.



SUSTAINABLE FOR THE EARTH

• Clean-produces zero emissions
  
• Renewable energy-uses no finite resources
  
• Eliminates need for invasive excavation for power
  
• No habitat disturbance as with other power sources
• Reduce/eliminate dependence on foreign oil

SUSTAINABLE FOR THE WALLET

• Net metering can provide income in sunny areas
  
• Can reduce/eliminate monthly grid power costs
  
• Low maintenance requirements
  
• Can eliminate need for digging power to site
• Low interest loans, grants, tax exemptions available
  

How does it work?
Photovoltaic cells are essentially batteries which directly convert solar energy into electrical energy. Light stimulates the flow of electrons across the layers of material and generates current through wires placed between them. Today's solar manufacturers are developing roof and wall materials that come with photovoltaic cells already installed in them.

What does it cost?
The main drawback to PV systems is the high up-front cost. At this point, it can take anywhere from 6 to 80 years to reach a full payback depending on location. However, with dwindling resources and the increasing cost of utility power, solar is becoming a more viable option. Additionally, government and private organizations are chipping in with low interest loans, grants and tax exemptions to support the use of renewable energy.

Do you have to live in a sunny area?
The sun shines even on cloudy days. While warmer areas like California regularly take in more energy than we can in Washington, extra energy gathered on the sunny days can be stored in batteries for use on the cloudy ones.

What about maintenance?
Photovoltaic systems require little regular maintenance making them popular for use in remote locations, including outer space.

Who uses it?
Numerous buildings incorporate the use of solar power from residences to office buildings and from the Pentagon to the Seattle Science Center. According to the US Department of Energy, the domestic shipments of photovoltaic cells increased 74% between 1998 and 2000. According to Jim Duncan, CEO of a Seattle based consulting company, the market for solar power equipment in the US is increasing by 30% or more each year.