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The Advantages of PV Power Systems

    Users of PV power systems appreciate their quiet, low maintenance, pollution-free, safe and reliable operation, as well as the degree of independence they provide. Why else should you consider buying a PV system? If you are some distance from an electrical grid, it may be cheaper to generate your own power rather than pay to extend transmission lines from the grid. Diesel, gasoline or propane generators are the conventional alternatives, but many people find them noisy, polluting and costly to run and maintain. PV systems reduce the negative aspects of generators by using them only as a backup.
    When capital cost is an issue, or when photovoltaics alone are not enough to replace an existing generator, you can use a wind generator as part of a hybrid PV system, thus reducing the use of the generator. Also, since the PV panels and battery banks are modular, you can expand the PV system gradually as your budget or needs increase.

What Is PV?

    The term "photovoltaic", commonly referred to as PV. The PV effect is the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity. This process does not generate heat like solar domestic hot water or solar pool heating systems do. PV power systems do not have any moving parts, are reliable, require little maintenance, and generate no noise or pollutants. PV systems are modular - the building blocks (modules) come in a wide range of power capabilities, from a fraction of a watt (e.g.. solar watches and pocket calculators) to more than 300 W. Modules can be connected to achieve the power that your application requires.

Mobile and Recreational Applications

    Chances are that you are already relying on PV technology to help you keep track of time, balance your budget or enliven your leisure hours. Nowadays, versatile PV power packs are also used to power larger consumer products. They are available in a range of sizes, from fractions of a watt to more than 100 W. Power packs can also be hooked up in series or parallel connections to serve various power needs. They can be used as a direct power source or as a battery recharge. These convenient PV systems power everything from radios, cassette recorders and cameras to lawn ornaments, walkway lights and batteries for sailboats, gliders, and even portable power for hikers and campers.
    The clean and noiseless operation of PV systems for many recreational applications is a significant benefit. In recreational vehicles and electric-powered boats, PV panels can help recharge batteries. The main advantage of a PV system is that it will, at the least, maintain the state of charge of batteries on board ? even during extended periods of time when you are not using the equipment.

Photovoltaics in Agriculture

    PV systems are particularly well suited where a small amount of energy in remote locations is needed for agricultural applications, such as electric fencing, water pumping for irrigation or stock watering, pond aeration, etc.
    Electric Fencing PV-powered electric fencing is popular in Canada?s western provinces, chiefly in northern pastures where land is open for cattle. These batteries will never run down. PV-powered electric fencing not only eliminates the cost and inconvenience of regular visits to check batteries, but also the cost is less than barbed wire fencing, which is the other alternative to conventionally powered electric fencing. More and more ranchers and farmers are finding that PV systems, which can run all summer with no need for servicing, is a practical alternative for their remote fencing needs.

Water Pumping for Stock Watering and Irrigation

    Water pumping is one of the most attractive uses for PV systems. In agriculture, the demand for water is greatest when the weather is hot and dry, precisely when the most solar energy is available. Simple non-storage types of PV systems are ideal for many irrigation applications where crops can do without water when the sun is not shining. In situations where irrigation is needed independent of weather, power stored in the form of pumped water, rather than in costly storage batteries, makes PV-powered irrigation systems economically attractive.
    Today, several million acres of remote grazing land are not being used because the costs of pumping water for stock watering by conventional methods outweigh the grazing benefits. For many ranchers and farmers, PV-powered pumping systems offer a cost-effective solution.

A PV System to Suit Your Particular Power Requirements

    Standardized PV systems are becoming more and more common. However, many PV systems are custom-designed to take into account the particular needs of the user and the characteristics of the site. Therefore, you should not necessarily expect to buy such a system "off the shelf" as you would a diesel or gasoline generator. Rather, you will probably have to consult PV equipment suppliers for a system that is right for your needs.

Be Prepared

    Before approaching Solar Mountain Inc. or any dealer, you should consider your power requirements and the type of photovoltaic (PV) system that will suit your needs and your budget.
    The following are typical questions that you should ask yourself. Be prepared to supply the following information as precisely and clearly as possible:

  • What is the application?
  • What needs to be powered?
  • Are my loads as efficient as possible?
  • How much power (wattage) and/or energy (watt-hours per day) is required?
  • What is the energy-usage pattern? (e.g.. hours per day, days per week, seasonal use)
  • Do I need battery storage?
  • Do I want an autonomous, hybrid or grid-connected system?
  • Do I want to start small and add modules in the future?
    A first step in any design or cost evaluation is to assess your load: i.e. what do you expect the PV system to power? You should at least prepare a list of all appliances and other electrical equipment that the PV system might power and estimate their time of use. The more detailed and accurate the list, the easier the sizing of your PV system will be for you or your dealer.

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