Photovoltaics are solid-state semiconductor devices that
convert light directly into electricity. They are usually made of silicon with
traces of other elements. Virtually any electric power need can be met by an
appropriately designed PV power system. This includes power for lighting,
pumping, refrigeration, radio transmission, etc. Once installed, a PV array
generally requires no maintenance other than an occasional cleaning, and even
that is not imperative
The
environmental impact
Photovoltaics
are probably the most benign method of power generation known.
They are silent, produce no emissions, and use no fuel
(other than sunlight!). PV
technology is based on silicon, the
second most common element on the earth’s
surface. As used in PV modules,
silicon is non-toxic