Photovoltaics, Grid Parity and Solar Energy
Photovoltaic, or PV, is a way of converting solar energy into direct current, or electricity. This system uses solar panels made up of a number of solar c ells to supply consumers with usable solar power. This technology has provided one the most sustainable energy source because it uses the most abundant energy source, which is the sun. This is also the most economical means because the conversion of direct sunlight into electricity can be done without moving machines, and has no environmental emissions during operation. This Hawaii solar system is a proven system evidenced by the fact that it has been in use for over fifty years now.
When there is an energy source that has become a competitor for electricity generation without any government subsidy or support, it is said that the location has reached Grid parity. This means that the energy source can generate electricity at a cost lesser that the commonly generated electricity. Solar energy is one such alternative. Solar phtovoltaics do not use fuel and are largely maintenance-free.
Hawaii was the first state in the United States to reach grid parity for solar photovoltaics. This is due to its ideal location where there is abundance of sun energy. This state has also been widely motivated to shift to off grid solar energy because of its high imported energy cost, said to be three or four times higher than that of the mainland. And aside from lower cost, it also provides the islands with a clean energy future.
Solar electric systems have since been very useful to Hawaiian living. Because of the clear, sunny skies, Hawaii has been very successful in their solar water heating program. It is said that almost 85,000 solar water systems are in operation and 25% of single-family homes uses solar water heating. This is also mainly due to the fact that using a residential solar water heating system can give big savings to the household of up to $15 per person, per month of electric bills, after installation. Installation cost for solar heating systems can be recovered in 3 to 4 years.
CSP or Concentrating Solar Power is now the focus in solar technology. This method uses a parabolic trough or dish to focus sunlight to a central receiver to produce electricity. The sun's energy is focused through long, rectangular curved mirrors. These mirrors follow the sun, having the sunlight focused on a pipe running down the center of the trough. Heated fluid can easily flow through the pipe and this becomes steam that can be used to turn a turbine to produce electricity.