PV Gap

Brandon Said:

How can i model a battery in Photovoltaic system in a software program? ?

We Answered:

I've never used photovolatic cells in any projects, but I'd assume it'll show up as a relatively fixed voltage with a relatively high internal resistance, one that's variable depending on the amount of light available.

Danielle Said:

how do a photovoltaic system convert sun rays to electric energy?

We Answered:

Photons hit the solar panel and are absorbed by semiconductors.
Electrons are then knocked loose from their atoms, allowing them to flow through the material to produce DC electricity which can be converted to AC by means of an inverter.

Edward Said:

How much does it cost to install a photovoltaic system in an average american home?

We Answered:

I researched it for a while, it is about $25,000 total for an average household.

One benefit is that it increases the value of your home, but you won't be taxed on that increase.

Jared Said:

How much would it cost to setup a 1 kilowatt photovoltaic system?

We Answered:

200W panel = $1000 x 5 = $5000

plus mounting
plus a 1 kw inverter
plus DC wiring (lots of copper)
plus electrical safety disconnects

Probably $7500 -$10000 or so...before gov't subsidies

The link below has a pretty good calculator and came up with about $9500 for a 1 kw system (might be a bit high...)

Erica Said:

How many batteries for a photovoltaic system on my house?

We Answered:

If you intend to be totally off-line as far as electricity by using photovoltaic, forget it. The cost alone will kill you.

If you are in an area that will allow it, a combination of several alternative sources of energy are viable. However, none of these are cheap from the get go.Over a long period of time they will probably equal what you spend now for energy.

You need , Solar, battery, hydro-electric, wind, passive etc. all working together if you want to get totally off line.

Keep in mind, the battery system to store the energy will cost a ton. It can be done. Just have to have to correct area with all things working prefect. If you are lucky, you can actually make money but selling the electricity back to the area provider. They have to pay you for it of you are producing it.

Wished I was there but probably will never b.

Larry Said:

Anyone in the UK got a Photovoltaic system to produce domestic electricity?

We Answered:

check the centre for alternative technology http://www.cat.org.uk

they have plenty of reliable information