Using Solar Cell Systems in the Home

An individual photovoltaic (PV) or solar cell is quite small and only produces 1 to 2 watts of power.  When put together in a larger form called module they can produce more power so that they can meet any electric power need so you can use it to just light up a single room, or an entire house.  They can be either flat-plate systems or concentrator systems. 

There are both advantages and disadvantages to the solar cell system.  In regards to advantages there are several that make it ideal for the home.  The fuel, which is the sunlight, is of course free and almost infinite while still being easily accessible.  The panels that are used are extremely reliable and do not require much maintenance at all.  The photovoltaic systems can be used for any size, while they can also be versatile in the way that they can either stand alone, be hooked up to the local electric grid, or be central grid connected.  While using the solar cell system you will avoid any cost from the electric company and can even send unused electric power back to the local grid which can then help other solar cell users.  Here are even more advantages to solar cell systems:

• During peak energy demand it lowers the cost of the fossil based generation plants which works to protect our environment so that they do not work as hard.
• They are modular so additional power can be added later.
• They last at least 30 years.
• There is no noise pollution.
• Solar cell systems only need a short installation period of time.
• They play a major role in lessening global warming.

On the other hand, there are some distinct disadvantages to solar cell systems as well.  When you first install the system it can cost you a considerable amount.  In fact, it can cost you tens of thousands of dollars and even up to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the size of your home.  Granted, it can save you hundreds of dollars per month for at least 30 more years, but the out of pocket cost in the installation phase may not be feasible for some.  Another disadvantage is that the power density of the sunlight is relatively low which means it really only works on a larger scale.  If you live in a particular cloudy or rainy area you will have to design your solar cell system accordingly which means more cost and possibly more installation.  Finally, since photovoltaic energy is stored in batteries for when there is no sun for long periods of time you will have the costs and maintenance for the upkeep of the batteries. 

The one great thing about solar cell systems being used for the home is that everyday we are coming closer and closer to building more cost efficient systems.  Researchers are improving the energy storage technology which is lowering the overall cost, making it more affordable for the everyday people to obtain.  Also, they are working on improving the cell system’s efficiency so that they utilize the sun more and the batteries less.  Lastly, as time goes on, researches who are studying how solar systems work and what can be gained are helping to inform the world, as most people are lacking a lot of knowledge when it comes to this kind of energy.  With more confidence and better technology, it will only be a matter of time before people will have more education and facts about the possibilities of solar cell systems in every home.