Photovoltaic Technology The Heart Of Solar Energy

Imagine what a building with photovoltaic windows would look like. Since December 2008, the company RSI solar has been in production mode for the first photovoltaic windows in the world. These windows are said to be semi-transparent and to let the light in. One such window would be able to generate around 250 watts of electricity.

Made of tempered glass, they have as a component a very thin insulating layer and a photovoltaic panel. These components generate a saving of up to 50% on heating and cooling of the building, according to NTUST (National Taïwan University of Science and Technology.) Furthermore these windows are capable of filtering 100% of UVs and infrared rays.

They are, of course for the moment, only custom made, and can be as large as 2.74m by 2.74m.

At this time production is planned for residential as well as commercial buildings in the US and Canada only, but they could reach other markets shortly.

Their price has not yet been announced but I think it is safe to say that they will be much more expensive than regular windows, even the best of them.

Whether it is for heat, for light, watching TV, cook, or on the news with the new cap and trade bill, energy is all around us.

It seems like we have an unending supply of energy, and we consume it more abundantly every day.

Yet, all our resources are not endless, some day they will be gone. When exactly? I don't know, but I do know that we cannot use these resources at the speed we are without an impact on their remaining quantity.

This said we also have to consider the impact the type of energy we use has on the environment, in particular the green house effect and the consequences that we already have noticed.

We must act! Change our consumption ways, re-evaluate our local energy, and use the best technologies that are already available.

It is quite possible to consume a lot less energy while maintaining the comfort levels we have grown accustomed to.

If the environment is not enough motivation for you then think about your wallet.

Let's look about the advantages of using photovoltaic technology.

It is tested and proven therefore it is a sure bet without risks. The investment necessary and the return on investment are completely predictable over the long term. ROI is recouped after 2 to 7 years.

Photovoltaic production is good and strong, and requires very little maintenance. Photovoltaic effect does not have any moving parts.

Electricity production happens without any combustion and at relatively low temperature, therefore breakdowns due to overheating, as happens for example in electric heaters, is not a concern.

The technology has been tested for many years.

The modules or panels are recyclable.

Everyone can reduce his/her environmental footprint, as they reduce CO2 emissions.

It allows you to develop a new attitude towards your daily energy consumption. That often provoke some soul searching about our habits concerning usage of electricity.

To install photovoltaic panels on your house often increases its value.

Projects to improve your energy usage can be as elaborate or modest as you want. You could for example use a small system and only produce enough energy to run your solar water heater.