Photovoltaic / Guides

Diligent research is absolutely essential for any homeowner looking to install a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel system on their home. But at some point, you need to hand the reins over to a trustworthy contractor. To get to that point of trust, you need to ask questions to confirm you’re getting the best equipment and ...

...photovoltaic) . New homes can be made 'solar ready' which is very inexpensive, adds value for resale, and is worth LEED points. It is a simple matter of running a normal 4 inch plumbing pipe from your attic to your utility room. By doing so, installing solar panels (thermal or photovoltaic) is a simple matter of fi...

...photovoltaic cells; the goal being to increase the watts produced per panel. Joshua M. Pearce, professor of engineering at Michigan Technology University, recently published an article in Green Building Advisor that demonstrates the results of his research on this. Working in conjunction with a study group in Canada, h...

...Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels Without getting overly technical, Photovoltaic solar panels essentially convert the sun’s rays into electricity. Systems can be large enough to provide your entire home power needs, and be either stored in batteries or fed back into the power grid. When you hear the words ‘net meterin...

...Photovoltaic systems in the mechanical room of this Net Zero Energy Home © Ecohome When initially installed, Alain Hamel's off-grid standard photovoltaic system was designed to supply only the electrical appliances in the home. As advised later by Patrick Déry, member of GREB (Group Ecological Research of the Bay),...

Standard solar panels are rigid, relatively heavy and fragile. A new product on the market called Microsystems Enabled Photovoltaics (MEPV) from mPower Technology may change that. The cells in these pliable sheets are made from high-efficiency silicon, and if one cell is damaged or loses power, the rest will continu...

...photovoltaic solar over the last 10 years Discover more about the Tesla Solar Panel special offer , find out more about solar photovoltaic panels here , or if you're looking to build soon, look for inspiration for building a near zero energy home on a budget here , or find out all about Passive House certification & ...

...photovoltaic solar panels and using the power they generate to heat water with a traditional water heater. This is due to the continually advancing technologies and dropping costs in the photovoltaic industry, while solar thermal collection technology and cost has remained fairly stagnant over the same period. They’r...

...photovoltaic panels for make-up energy. Water conservation and material selection strategies are also commendable . Project Performance: Energy intensity 26 KWh/m2/year. All energy required on an annual basis is supplied by a 25KW photovoltaic array Potable water consumption from municipal sources 76.7L/occupant/...

...photovoltaic solar panel system. The ceiling is insulated to R151; walls have a 'true' R value rating of 80, and the energy load needed for heat on the coldest days is estimated at 12 W per square meter or a total of 2100 W. For the most part, this home is expected to remain at a comfortable temperature throughout th...

...photovoltaic generation On-site wastewater treatment Earth tubes Solar hot water Stormwater control Geothermal heating and cooling Vegetated green roofs The LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system focuses on measured performance of the building, and requires participants to...