Benefits of PV

The fuel is free

The sun is the only resource needed to power solar panels. Furthermore, most photovoltaic cells are made from silicon, and silicon is an abundant and nontoxic element.

Produces no noise, harmful emissions or polluting gases

The burning of natural resources for energy can create smoke, cause acid rain, pollute water and pollute the air. Carbon dioxide CO2, a leading greenhouse gas and the main gas responsible for global climate change, is also produced. Solar power uses only the power of the sun as its fuel. It creates no harmful byproduct and contributes actively to reduce the global warming. Although indirect emissions of CO2 occur at other stages of the lifecycle, these are significantly lower than the avoided emissions.

PV Modules may be recycled

The materials used in the production process (silicon, glass, aluminium) may be reused. Recycling is not only beneficial for the environment but also for helping to reduce the energy needed to produce those materials and therefore the cost of fabrication.

Requires low maintenance

Solar modules are almost maintenance-free and offer an easy installation.

Brings electricity to remote rural areas

Solar systems give an added value to rural areas (especially in developing countries where electricity is not available). House lighting, hospital refrigeration systems and water pumping are some of the many applications for off-grid systems. Telecommunication systems in remote areas are also well-known users of PV systems.

The energy pay-back time of a module is constantly decreasing

The time required for a PV module to produce as much energy as it needs to be manufactured is very short, varying from between 1,5 years to 3 years. A module therefore produces 6 to 18 times more energy than is needed to manufacture it.

Creation of thousands of jobs

The PV sector, with an average annual growth of 40% during the past years is increasingly contributing to the creation of thousands of jobs in Europe.

Improving the security of Europe’s energy supply

In order to cover 100% of the electricity demand in Europe, 0.7% of the total land of Europe would be needed to be converted by PV modules. Therefore photovoltaics can play an important role in improving the security of Europe’s energy supply.

Space-saving installations

PV is a simple, low-risk technology that can be installed virtually anywhere where there is available light. This means that there is a huge potential for the use of roofs on public, private and industrial buildings.