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Eliminates or Reduces
the Amount of Electricity Purchased from Utility Providers.
A grid-connected system
maintains a connection with an electrical provider and only draws enough
power to cover what is not generated by the PV panels, lowering the amount
of electricity purchased per month; an off-grid system is completely
self-sustaining and can operate independently without a connection to a
utility provider.
-
Affordable and Reliable
Energy Source
Solar energy is an enduring
natural resource which replenishes itself, there is no need to worry about
a diminishing supply (as is the case with fossil fuels); there are no
costs involved in its transport and is available any place within the
sun’s rays. This unique characteristic of the PV system makes it an
affordable and reliable alternative energy source for both homes and
businesses.
-
Quick Turnaround for
System Owners
An owner of a typical solar
PV system ‘breaks even’ between four to ten years. It’s expected to last
two to four decades, so the benefit of owning a solar PV system is
evident. The PV system contains no moving parts, so there is minimum
maintenance required.
-
Decreases Dependence on
Foreign Sources of Energy
The United States currently
imports 53% of its oil, and studies suggest that by 2010 this number could
increase to 75% (up from 34% in 1974). Dependence on outside energy
sources can severely impact a country’s economy since fluctuations in
price are based on political instabilities, trade disputes, embargoes, and
other intrusions.
-
Incentives Offered by
the Federal and State Government
Due to the
environmentally-friendly and cost-effective nature of the solar PV system,
there are many federal and state incentives currently available to home
and business owners.
-
Generates Electricity
at the Time We Need it the Most
A
solar PV system works during the day when PV panels are exposed to the sun
- this is when we need electricity the most. Extra electricity generated
by a PV system is sent back to the utility company in a grid-tied setting
so that the energy can be used as needed.
