With fuel costs up, it's time to give solar a look.

NOW that the United States is experiencing record-setting increases in oil and other fossil fuel prices, there is no time like the present to acknowledge the viability of solar photovoltaics as a leading alternative renewable energy resource. Photovoltaic technology, also known as solar power, has come a long way since the first solar cell was created in 1954 and was introduced for residential and commercial use almost 30 years ago.

The power of the sun is now being harnessed in more efficient, safer and less expensive ways than ever before, from lighting buildings, to operating emergency cell phones and towers and pumping water. Although the use of solar power can be traced back to centuries ago, the increased prevalence of implementing these advanced applications has only been recent. For the first time in the technology's history, solar manufacturing product lines are increasing capacity and evidence continues to support tremendous growth in the photovoltaic market. However, since this technology is so new, many professionals within the building and construction industry are not even aware of its potential or how to install, maintain or upgrade these systems.

In the last few years, industry engineers have been able to more than double the life expectancy of photovoltaic (PV) panels from 10 to 20 years. Furthermore, the size of these panels has also been reduced. Previously, a 4' x 8' panel was necessary to produce just one kilowatt of power. Now, a panel one quarter that size--one that is about the size of a ceiling tile--is its equivalent in terms of power production.

Flexible, Efficient and Environmentally Friendly 

Most people understand the benefits of solar power in terms of its environmental, financial and even political advantages. Sunlight is an unlimited resource that does not pollute and can help reduce the country's reliance on foreign fuel supplies. The flexibility of today's PV systems offers a new, unrealized power source independent of traditional, complex power networks. Leveraging the sun's light, solar cells, which are comprised of thin layers of silicon, release electrons to generate an electrical current when sunlight strikes the cells and causes a chemical reaction. Individual cells are grouped together to form solar modules which, when installed on the roof or ground as a component of a complete solar system, generate electricity.

Despite great strides in technological development, PV has yet to be used on a more widespread basis. This can be attributed to its bad reputation earned during the infancy stages. In the early 1970s, the energy crisis created a real rush to deliver this kind of alternative power to the market. However, the systems' limitations were not effectively addressed, resulting in a high rate of malfunction and burnout within two years. In the most extreme cases, the solar panels would ignite roofs on fire. However, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, the industry had resolved many of the initial system failures, and the wiring of the systems was placed under the jurisdiction of the National Electric Code (NEC).

Today, industry experts acknowledge that PV systems are highly effective when implemented properly. In addition to a growing awareness of this alternative energy source, there is a growing need for properly trained electricians who can install these systems and render them fully functional. Fortunately, leading companies like Sharp Solar Systems, a worldwide manufacturer of solar cells, are now partnering with the building trades to supply solar modules for hands-on laboratory training exercises, such as those offered at IBEW Local 164's Training Academy in Paramus, NJ, Local 164 is committed to keeping pace with the latest industry advancements and has embraced this technology in order to offer our customers greater energy efficiency as well as significant cost-savings benefits.

Better Systems, Fewer Limitations

While PV systems are gaining greater acceptance within the marketplace, limitations still exist. In New Jersey, PV systems cannot be the primary energy source for a home since the sun's intensity is just not strong enough in the Northeast. Photovoltaics, however, offer ideal, supplementary power to offset energy expenditures.

Most states, including New Jersey, also are now providing substantial tax breaks for PV use. Some are even offering financial assistance for the cost of installations. Currently, the State of New Jersey is paying up to 70 percent of the cost for residential installations and 60 percent for commercial installations.

From lowering electric bills and protecting the environment, to maintaining a sense of autonomy from large utility companies, the benefits are abundant.

Since the only unlimited resource we truly enjoy is solar, photovoltaics is expected to far exceed its limitations in the future.

DANIEL-JOHN SOLLEDER

IBEW LOCAL 164 TRAINING ACADEMY