Photovoltaic or as they are known by their more common name Solar Panels are not a new idea, the first cells where invented in the 1880s and development has been on going ever since. In the 
1960’s NASA took up the challenge of development using them to power the electrics on space satellites and today they are the backbone of the telecom communications industry in space and on the ground, the USA – Russian space station and hi tech building all over the world.
Germany and Spain lead the way in Photovoltaic driven electrical generating installations. Now with the UK Governments Feed In tariffs legislation we are playing catch up as the Government has set targets to get 7 million homes in the UK to have solar panels or some other renewable technologies installed and powered by renewable sources by 2020 to help deal with global issues of climate change. Spain, Germany, Canada, Czech Republic, South Korea, China and France all have photovoltaic power stations.
How Photovoltaic Panels Work.
A cell, or photovoltaic cell (panel) and you probably have one near you in the form of a calculator right now, is a device that converts light into electricity using the photoelectric effect. The panel (collector) absorbs the light from outside your home. The more natural daylight light, the more electricity will be generated, but direct sunlight is not needed. Within the panel various elements like silicone atoms react with a photon and a charge is generated. The charge is then fed to a charge controller and into storage batteries. 
At this stage it is a direct current of electricity and low voltage, similar to that used on a car.
To use it in the home an inverter is employed to convert it to alternating current (AC) and 240v. The Photovoltaic cells themselves are made up of two sheets with wires inside for the current to flow through. They are very robust and getting even better as development continues. Very little maintenance is required as most Photovoltaic units are self-cleaning. Photos on this web site are of a Photovoltaic field in Thailand where over 5000 are together in a field that is very dusty and no cleaning or maintenance has had to take place in the last 5 years.
About Monument Renewable Technologies.
Monument Renewable Technologies installs some of the most cost effective photovoltaic systems (solar panels) in the market today and we can offer you an impressive return on investments of over 12% or more. Once the photovoltaic system is installed you will earn tax free cash that is indexed linked for 25 years and generate a free source of electricity. This will insure you against the massive price rises that are expected over the next few years as energy runs out and proves to be one of the major benefits of installing our systems. If you are looking for solar panels installer then contact us filling in the form on the right side or you can also give us a call on 0844 800 0528 .
If you require further details, you can find more information on feed in tariffs or how Photovoltaic can generate money here. You can also request our in depth guide on generating your own energy, to be sent to you or why not arrange a call back with one of our surveyors. Please also take a look at our F.A.Q section.
Commercial Installations.
Commercial photovoltaic projects at this infancy stage of renewable energy legislation by the European Parliament and the rules now introduced by the UK Government could see private companies and house owners who invest in renewable electricity generating at today’s low installation costs, benefit by installing the green energy system now as an investment for the future. If you have a larger scale commercial photovoltaic project in mind, that generates electricity that can be sold for domestic and commercial use, please contact our commercial section.
