PV Gap

Becky Said:

can you explain in your own words what kind these solar energy words mean?

We Answered:

Photovoltaics (PV) is the field of technology and research related to the application of solar cells for energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity. Due to the growing demand for clean sources of energy, the manufacture of solar cells and photovoltaic arrays has expanded dramatically in recent years.

Active solar systems use solar collectors and additional electricity to power pumps or fans to distribute the sun's energy. The heart of a solar collector is a black absorber which converts the sun's energy into heat. The heat is then transferred to another location for immediate heating or for storage for use later. The heat is transferred by circulating water, antifreeze or sometimes air..


Passive solar heating and cooling represents an important strategy for displacing traditional energy sources in buildings. Anyone who has sat by a sunny, south-facing window on a winter day has felt the effects of passive solar energy.


Linear concentrator systems collect the sun's energy using long rectangular, curved (U-shaped) mirrors.

Connie Said:

Would calling a circuit containing solar cells and others(read for more details) a PV system be correct?

We Answered:

"system" sounds good, a nice vague term that can mean anything.

PS, you do know that solar cells have a max temperature specification, and focusing the sun on them with a mirror will probably exceed that spec and cause them to be damaged.

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Barry Said:

Info on Photovoltaic (Solar Energy) grants & incentives in Arizona?

We Answered:

For Arizona, use this page:

http://www.azsolarcenter.com/benefits/so…

For general tax credits, and for credits for other forms of renewable energy, use this government website:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=pr…

Jaime Said:

which is the best company in solar field in india?

We Answered:

TATA BP,
many more; search @IREDA

Virginia Said:

which costs more, photovoltaic cells or thermal panels in a solar system??

We Answered:

The problem in answering your question is that you have specified a part of a much larger system. The exact answer is that a panel of photovoltaic cells the same size as a panel used for thermal collection would cost much more. But the photovoltaic might be useful as it stands (unlikely as normally batteries and inverters are needed) while the thermal panels almost certainly require pumps, insulated tanks, and radiators.

Audrey Said:

Can anyone give me specific instructions on converting the sun to electricity to run my house?

We Answered:

The question is too complex to answer completely.

Do some research on "solar panels" on the Internet and in the green search box at the top of this page.