Clean, renewable energy
Photovoltaics are silent, immobile, clean, and produce no emissions. Over their life cycle they generate much more power than was needed to produce them, without needing any fuel other than sunlight.
Extremely low operating costs
Although photovoltaics are relatively expensive to buy compared to other generating technologies, they have a very low cost to operate relative to other technologies. With no fuel costs, the cost of the electricity they produce is completely independent of global commodity prices, and carbon free. So once you've got photovoltaics, you know what your electricity will cost for the life of the installation, irrespective of oil prices or any future carbon taxes.
Modular application
Solar electricity is very modular in its application. The more solar modules you install, the more electricity you can produce. But larger arrays can be better optimised to produce more power than the same number of distributed solar modules.
Fast to deploy
A valuable component in the national energy portfolio
To avoid being overly dependent on any single fuel type, the UK and other countries need to ensure they use a portfolio of generating technologies. No single technology can efficiently deliver a nation's entire energy because each technology has its strengths and weaknesses. Photovoltaic electricity has a very predictable price that is insensitive to global energy prices, its delivery is relatively predictable, and it can be installed just about anywhere. Installing a good amount of photovoltaics will help countries dilute the effect of global energy prices on their electricity prices and make electricity prices more predictable. This is good for consumers, businesses, and competitiveness.
Introduction to photovoltaics
How do they work
Who uses them
Why photovoltaics
What can they do for you
Why now
Frequently asked questions
A useful part of the power generation mix delivering clean, silent and predictably priced electricity.
