Ecosostenibile

PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM: HOW IT WORKS
The photovoltaic system is an electrical system, using the photovoltaic effect of some treated semiconductor materials, converts solar energy into direct current energy.
There are two photovoltaic system typologies: “grid connected”, connected to the electrical distribution, and “stand alone”, working in an autonomous way with storage batteries, in case of consumers not served by the electrical network.
A plant is considered in the network when is connected to the electricity grid, where the energy enters and from which it picks up energy in case of need.
Grid connected plants are used in projects of every size and scope (residential, commercial, industrial and public scope) and they can be installed on any surface: on the ground, on sloping or flat roofs, on terraces and on every type of coverage (canopies, shelters…) This is the most popular type of plants and is composed of:
• Photovoltaic modules, consisting of silicon cells (monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous) or other chemical components (es. cadmium telluride thin film, organic films, junctions of silicon and other materials) for converting solar energy into electricity.
• Inverter to convert the electricity, generated by the modules, from continuous in alternated.
• Facilities for the assembly of modules on the different installation surfaces.
• Specific accessories, such as solar cables, connectors, switches and monitoring devices.

BENEFITS OF A PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
From the social point of view, the PV systems reduce energy demand from other traditional sources contributing to reducing air pollution (emission of carbon dioxide generated by power plants otherwise). The emission of carbon dioxide “avoided” every year is easy to calculate. Simply multiply the value of electricity produced by a photovoltaic system to the factor of the Italian electricity mix (0,531Kg Ci2/kWhel).
Es. 1000 kWhel/kWp x 0,531 Kg 0 531 Kg C02
Multiplying the carbon dioxide “avoided” every year for the life of the PV system (30 years) we get the total social benefit.
In the previous example, the PV system, during its life, “avoids” the Co2 production of 15.930Kg and facilitates compliance with the Kyoto Protocol.

THE IMPACT ON THE LANDSCAPE.
The modular design allows integration of solar modules on existing areas of housing, normally on the roofs. The environmental and landscape impact is therefore null and void.