Why install a PV system

There are many reasons to install a PV system.

Main reasons for installing a PV system.

The main reasons are:

• Economic:
  • It may be cheaper to generate one’s own electricity than purchase it from the grid.
  • To reduce electricity bills.
  • To sell the electricity generated by the PV system.
  • It may be less costly than using a diesel generator.
• Energy security and access:
  • To have electricity if the electric grid shuts down.
  • To have electricity where there is no grid supply.
• Ease of operation in comparison with diesel generators:
  • Diesel generators require a regular supply of fuel and regular maintenance.
  • PV systems require no fuel and little maintenance.

Environmental-protection reasons include:

• Reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.
• Reduced water usage associated with the cooling of conventional power stations.
• When solar electric replaces or reduces the use of diesel and petrol generators: noise reduction, improvement of local air quality, avoidance of soil/ground/water pollution caused by fuel spillages, and reduction of environmental impact caused by the transport of large quantities of fuel.

However, reasons for installing a system differ according to the type of system which is installed; whether it is grid-connected or off-grid; whether there are batteries or a back-up generator; the size and location of the system; and other factors. When selecting, designing and sizing a grid-connected solar electric system, it is important that the electricity tariff structure of the utility electric grid is taken into consideration to ensure the system makes economic sense.