- The operation of photovoltaic systems does not produce any toxic-gas emissions, greenhouse gases, or noise. The conventional production of electricity from coal causes the release of 1.5 pounds of carbon dioxide for each kilowatt-hour.
- The use of alternative sources reduces our
dependence on foreign oil and therefore reduces the amount of money
flowing to radical and totalitarian regimes of oil producers.
- Photovoltaic technology is versatile- it can be
used in broad range of applications from small calculators to power
plants.
- It has ability to generate electricity in
remote locations that are not linked to a grid, such as in space.
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- High capital cost,
currently about $8,000 per
kilowatt of peak power.
- Requires large surface areas for useful amounts
of electricity generation: from 6 to 12 m^2 or 65 to 129 ft^2 per
kilowatt of peak capacity depending on PV panel efficiency. At an
average insolation
of 4, this yields total of 0.33 to 0.67
kW-hours per sq.meter during an entire day, or 14 to 28 watt per sq.m
averaged over entire day (see Solar
Energy Facts).
- Because the amount of sunlight varies with the
time of day, time of year, and weather conditions, solar systems
require either to store large amounts of the produced energy or to
supplement it with other sources.
- The manufacture of PV modules uses some
hazardous materials which can present health and safety hazards, if
adequate precautions are not taken.
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