Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics is a technology that converts sunlight into electricity. Over the last few years they have become much more efficient and when used in locations with lots of sun can be used to power a normal sized American home almost year around.

Typical Module

• 190 watts
• 61.8" x 37.5"
• 127 watts/m^2
• $900~
• $4.70/watt~

Actual performance obviously depends on the amount sunlight it gets. Some need direct sunlight before the voltage gets close to peak performance. Mono-crystalline modules are better at squeezing out more power in less than ideal conditions.

Tracking

Many off-the-shelf systems exists for tracking the sun for maximum efficiency. A typical tracker arranges several modules in a circular shape, and the surface pivots on a pole not unlike a sunflower.