Benefits for environment
1. Are PV systems causing electric smog?
2. Ecological benefits of a PV system?
3. Is a PV system energy efficient?
4. How much CO2 is saved by a PV system?
1. Are PV systems causing electric smog?
Just like other electrical installations, PV systems generate electromagnetic waves and fields. Because of the close distance of the plus- and minus poles, the electrical field is only measurable very close to the PV modules and electricity cables.
The cables of a PV installation feeding into the local electricity grid generate low frequency and electrically alternating fields. Furthermore the inverters, the links between the PV installation and the local grid, also produce magnetic fields and high frequency radiation. Both might affect the well-being of sensitive people.
Measurements proved, that inverters with a transformer produce significantly less high frequency radiation than a device without a transformer. It is best to install the inverter in a daytime unfrequented location; the boiler room for instance. In darkness and at night, no current or voltages are measurable. According to a report from the Fraunhofer ISE institute, at a distance of only 10cm the limit value of the 26th BIMSchV (Verordnung zur Durchführung des Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetztes – German emission law) for cables, PV-generators and inverters is undercut significantly.
3. Is a PV system energy efficient?
Solar energy replaces non-renewable energy sources such as oil, gas, coal or uranium and reduces environmental pollution caused by CO2 emissions (greenhouse effect) and other exhaust gases. (e.g. carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons…)
3. Is a PV system energetically profitable?
The most common prejudice that PV systems are apparently not able to generate enough energy within their lifetime to justify their production, has been disproved by many ecological studies. Modern installations have redeemed themselves energetically within a few years, meaning that they generate at least as much energy in this time as was used for their production and potential deconstruction. Because of the enormous amount of energy supplied by the sun daily, photovoltaics have a tremendous potential. The sun radiates more energy onto the earth within only one hour than the whole world population requires in one year. This potential should definitely be used.
4. How much CO2 is saved by a PV system?
Calculated estimations range from 700 to 800 kg per kWp . A 5 kWp panel saves the environment over three tons of CO2 annually.
