Renewable Power: Solar Electric
Systems
With the celebration of Earth Day this week many
people are focus on the environment. Here at Sequachee Valley Electric
Cooperative we would like to remind our members that if they would like to do
something to help contribute to a cleaner, greener environment, they can sign up
for the “Green Power Switch” Program. This collaboration between TVA, its
power distributors and the environmental community has lead to the development
of more “environmentally friendly” sources of power generation for the
Tennessee Valley. These sources include wind and solar generation and the
collection of methane gas at a waste-water facility.
Of these sources, solar energy is probably the one that our members are most familiar with. This form of energy first became of interest during the energy crisis of the 1970’s but the cost of the systems and fall of energy prices lead to a decline in interest. However, solar electric systems are making a comeback all around the world. The rising cost of electricity has driven some of this new interest, but improvements in solar technology are also making this renewable energy source increasingly attractive.
Solar electric, or photovoltaic, systems use silicon-based cells that convert sunlight to electricity. Groups of these cells are wired together to form the solar arrays you may have seen on rooftops or in racks on the ground. Solar electric systems produce direct current (DC), and an inverter is usually installed to convert this power to the alternating current (AC) that is used in our homes.
Some homeowners install batteries to provide back-up power at night and during cloudy weather, especially for homes that are far from the electrical grid. But an increasing number of homeowners are installing photovoltaic systems on homes that are already connected to the grid. These grid-connected systems provide the best of both worlds: abundant and reliable power from their traditional electric utility, and clean renewable power from their solar system.
Despite the falling cost of photovoltaic systems, they still require a significant investment that varies from $15,000 to $30,000 depending on the size of the system. It may be a good investment in the long run, but it’s not one many of us can afford. Even with rising electrical costs, your local electric utility can still provide reliable electrical power for a lot less money.
If you would like to do your part to help the environment but can’t afford to install your own solar electric system, for only $4 extra on your electric bill each month you can purchase a 150 killowatt block of Green Power and support further expansion of “environmentally friendly” electric generation. Call your local SVEC office to sign up, or click here.