Get paid for generating your electricity!!
What is the energy source of the future? Undoubtedly photovoltaic cells which are all around us generating power in an ecologically friendly way.
The term photovoltaics or PV in its abbreviated form derives from the Greek word phos meaning light and the word volt named by the Italian physicist known for his pioneering work in electricity, Alessandro Volta. As professor of physics at the Royal School in Como, he devised the electrophorus, an instrument that produced charges of static electricity and by 1800, had developed the voltaic pile, a forerunner of the electric battery. His work was so revered and honoured by Napoleon that he was made a Count in 1810.
Photovoltaics is a science which examines solar electrical energy conversion so, it is a technology which converts energy from the sun directly into electricity.
The first practical application was to use the power to orbit satellites and spacecraft down to the smallest systems used in simple pocket calculators and watches although today, the majority of modules are used for grid connected power generation.
Many corporations and institutions are developing ways to utilise the practical aspects of solar energy with most research being carried out in Germany, Japan, USA and Australia who hold 90% of the world market.
One of the world’s largest solar districts is Nieuwland just outside Amersfoort in the Netherlands which is capable of producing enough electrical energy to be completely self-sufficient. Panels and arrays can constitute the roofs or walls rather than being tacked onto existing ones helping to offset the costs.
Cyprus is an ideal country for photovoltaic modules because of the high percentage of sunshine days we have per year. The systems have a long life span – some in space have been operating for almost half a century!
The system consists of PV modules which are placed either directly onto the roof tiles or on a stainless steel frame for those homes with flat roofs. Modules usually blend in well with a building as they look like a mosaic made up of different shades of blue. An inverter which converts direct current to alternate current is connected to the Electricity Authority of Cyprus meter. One of the attractive benefits of installing photovoltaics in Cyprus is the government subsidy of 55% (prior to VAT) towards the cost of the system which can vary from 5kWp up to 20kWp for private individuals and non-profit organisations.
Naturally, the next question is – what sized system does a house need? Most companies which install photovoltaics complete a thorough assessment of the electrical requirements of a house, although there is no question of a home having to make do with 5kW as it will remain connected to the Electricity Authority grid even after the installation of the system. The electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic system, measured in kWH (kilo Watt hours) is fed to the grid through a separate meter so that the householder can know how much power is being sold to the Electricity Authority. The home owner is then sent a cheque every two months for the electrical energy produced and in turn pays for the electrical energy consumed. It is a win-win situation for everybody which continues, by contract with the Authority for fifteen years at a fixed price. Following that period, the Authority undertakes to buy the electricity at the price it is selling to households.
The benefits of photovoltaics extend to the environment as 99% of the modules are built of silicon, an abundant natural resource which takes nothing from the environment, a reason why the European Union gives it full approval.
Maintenance costs are non-existent and their operation is clean and hazard-free. Take the opportunity – call a company to give you a quote and generate your energy requirements in a clean and environmentally-friendly way.
|
