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A major market for PV systems can be found in the application of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics Photovoltaic panels can be placed on building rooftops to generate electricity. PV panels produce direct current, not the alternating current used to power most building equipment. Direct current is easily stored in batteries.
Thin-film PV, such as amorphous silicon technology, is based on depositing silicon and other chemicals directly on a substrate such as glass or flexible stainless steel. Thin-film PV materials can look almost like tinted glass. They can be designed to generate electricity from a portion of the incoming light while still allowing some light to pass through for daylighting and view.
The development of transparent thin-film solar cells and semi-transparency makes Power Glass™ glazing desirable for placing over glass, plastics, and other see-through structures. Advantages- Photovoltaics are almost maintenance-free and seem to have a long life span.
- The photoelectric conversion process produces no pollution and can make use of free solar energy.
- PV is currently cost-effective in small, off-grid applications such as microwave repeaters, remote water pumping, and remote buildings.
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