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Photovoltaic Solar Power Systems

Photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems draw on solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity. To learn about these systems, see:

• Solar Cells and Photovoltaic Arrays — The building blocks of PV systems.

• Photovoltaic Materials — The many approaches to creating a solar cell.

• Building-Integrated Photovoltaics — Getting more for your dollar by making PV panels act as roofs, windows, skylights, or other purposes.

• Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems — High-efficiency solar power systems that can help power a village, a commercial building, or an industry.

Once you're ready to investigate using PV systems on your tribal lands, it's time to think about how best PV can meet your tribe's energy needs. Some important considerations include:

• Cost-Effective Photovoltaic Systems — Which applications will likely yield the most bang for your buck.

• Reducing Electrical Loads with Photovoltaic Systems — Solar power is only produced during the day, so you may be surprised at how well it can reduce your electrical loads.

• Photovoltaic System Configurations — How to put a solar power system together to meet your needs.

• Designing a Photovoltaic System — Once you know what you want to do, it's time to get down to the details of putting a system together.

Useful, detailed information on sizing, designing, and installing a PV system is also available under Small Solar Electric Systems in the Make Your Own Clean Electricity section of DOE's "Consumer's Guide to Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency." In addition, Solar-Estimate.org provides estimates of the cost of installing a solar electric system in your area, and offers "Find a Solar Pro," an online resource to find solar professional installers based on your location.