We can easily explain how the Photovoltaic effect produces a flow of electrons. In short, electrons are excited by particles of light and find the attached electrical circuit the easiest path to travel from one side of the cell to the other. Envision a piece of metal such as the side panel of a car. As it sits in the sun the metal warms. This warming is caused by the exciting of electrons bouncing back and forth creating friction and therefore heat. The solar cell merely takes a percentage of these electrons and directs them to flow in a path. This flow of electrons is by definition, electricity.

Everybody thinks that if you are on utility power at present PV is not a cost effective move. Utility power is much cheaper than PV power. Why? Because we have not yet begun to pay for the externalities of fossil fuel and nuclear generating plants . When this country begins to pay for the sulfur emissions which cause acid rain, global warming and nuclear waste disposal, to name a few, we will see power costs increase. With this in mind we need to ask and answer the question again. We believe, over the working life of a PV system it can very well be a cost effective move. It all depends on the real price increases of utility power 2, 5, 10 and more years from today.

Wind generating plants require a good steady wind at regular intervals over the four seasons. If you have a site where you have this resource, power production will not be a problem. Hydroelectric generators are another option. These small generators require a healthy flow of water with good vertical drop throughout the year. Two points to look at are the site specific nature of these power sources and the difference in moving parts. Solar electricity many times has the advantage with factors, sunlight being fairly universal and PV's having no moving parts to wear and eventually fail. Combinations of systems often work the best. Many times when the clouds reduce your solar output, wind or hydro systems are performing at full power.