With natural resources, especially fossil fuels, depleting at an alarming rate, it became very necessary and urgent for science and technology to find alternative ways to meet the world's incredibly huge demand for energy. The intensive quest for alternative energy sources gave birth to inventions such as the inverter and the solar panel.
A system that incorporates one or more solar panels and transforms solar energy into electrical energy is called a solar pv or a photovoltaic system. It comprises many parts including photovoltaic modules and some other electrical and mechanical connections.
The process of conversion of solar energy to electrical energy by the pv system is a rather straightforward one. There is a thin layer of silicon enclosed in glass or plastic case that when exposed to sunlight will cause electrons in the silicon atom to be set free, and thus free to move, and what is electric current other than moving electrons? This current is direct current and is moved through wires to an inverter that converts the direct current to an alternating current, which is the appropriate type of current for use at home.
Results from research in photovoltaic systems have led to it being regarded as the leading replenishable energy source in the world. It has a couple of advantages for consumers who may wish to install the photovoltaic system in their buildings, such as the fact that it ensures a clean environment for everybody, because it has no emission. In the US, you can sell your exceess energy generated to the National grid. You are your own power station, you are not subjected to high tariffs by the power company. However, it is important that you note that the panels degrade by about 20% every 25 years, and you are advised to change your inverter after 10 years.
There is also the factor of cost. The materials that are required to set-up a proper system for a residential buiding, is not suitable for all income earners; yet it remains the best option and presents the best hope for providing enough energy to sustain the world, because the sun will always shine.