Why SLTZ? Here is what they bring to the table:
Renewables and photovoltaics
Renewable energy technologies are essential contributors to the energy supply portfolio as they contribute to world energy supply security, reducing dependency of fossil fuel resources, and providing opportunities for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Most of the renewable sources of energy are considered distributed low-density energy sources. In other words, their power plant can produce only up to tens of megawatts of electricity, while a large coal or nuclear power plant can produce more than 2,000 megawatts. However, renewable energy based generators are environmentally benign in general, and a very large number of them can be built to derive a substantial amount of electricity. For example, it is possible to install solar photovoltaic generators on many rooftops, but it is unlikely that many people will allow a coal or a nuclear power plant in their neighborhood.
Most countries in the world will be facing serious energy shortages in the near future. High energy consumption and the ever-increasing world population will force residents of many countries to confront the critical problem of dwindling domestic fossil energy supplies. Current dependence of majority of countries on oil has important economic costs and portends future negative effects on national and international security and the economy. There are many other ways of using the modern technology to make the renewable and other alternate energy technologies work for us. One of the key renewable energy technologies is photovoltaics.
The Solar Potential
Every day, the sun delivers energy to the earth free of charge. People can use this free energy thanks to a technology called photovoltaics, which converts the sun’s energy into electricity. Photovoltaics is potentially unlimited electrical energy from the Sun.
There is more than enough solar radiation available around the world to satisfy a vastly increased demand for energy. The total amount of energy irradiated from the sun to the earth’s surface is enough to provide for annual global energy consumption 10,000 times over. If all this electricity were to be generated by means of PV systems with a modest average electricity output of 100kWh (electrical) per square metre per year, a total solar capture area of 150 x 150 km would be required. A large part of this capture area could be situated on roofs and walls of buildings, and would not therefore occupy extra land area.
What are the merits of photovoltaic systems?
Photovoltaic systems have a number of merits and unique advantages over conventional power-generating technologies. PV systems can be designed for a variety of applications and operational requirements, and are modular, easily expandable and transportable. Energy independence and environmental compatibility are two attractive features of PV systems. PV systems can be used for either centralized or distributed power generation. The fuel (sunlight) is free, and no noise or pollution is created from operating PV systems. In general, PV systems which are well designed and properly installed require minimal maintenance, have long service lifetimes and are very reliable.
My California Maserati.
