Why PV is Important
The University of Wyoming and several rural electric companies have set up demonstration projects to study the durability, maintenance requirements, and useful life of solar-powered water-pumping systems. Solar electric systems are an ideal choice in Wyoming's vast rural areas, especially those at a considerable distance from conventional power lines.
Photovoltaics (PV) is an important energy technology for many reasons. As a solar energy technology, it has numerous environmental benefits. As a domestic source of electricity, it contributes to the nation's energy security. As a relatively young, high-tech industry, it helps to create jobs and strengthen the economy. As it costs increasingly less to produce and use, it becomes more affordable and available. And there are many more reasons, as we shall see.
Few power-generation technologies have as little impact on the environment as photovoltaics. As it quietly generates electricity from light, PV produces no air pollution or hazardous waste. It doesn't require liquid or gaseous fuels to be transported or combusted. And because its energy source - sunlight - is free and abundant, PV systems can guarantee access to electric power.
PV frees us from the cost and uncertainties surrounding energy supplies from politically volatile regions. And in addition to reducing our trade deficit, a robust domestic PV industry creates new jobs and strengthens the U.S. economy.
The Benefits of PV
The Space and Naval Warfare Command contracted with Northern Power Systems to design and install these portable, highly cold-tolerant runway lighting systems for Antarctic Support Associates, to ensure safe landings for cargo planes on the south polar ice.
Let's take a look at the many ways PV is bettering our world — today. We will explore why PV is important —
To the Economy
To Energy Assurance
To the Environment
To You
Because—
It's highly reliable and needs little maintenance.
It costs little to build and operate.
It has virtually no environmental impact.
It's produced domestically, strengthening our economy and reducing our trade deficit.
It's modular and thus flexible in terms of size and applications.
It meets the demand and capacity challenges facing energy service providers.
It helps energy service providers manage uncertainty and mitigate risk.
It serves both form and function in a building.