Photovoltaic systems or solar electric power-generating systems can be found almost any place on earth. From the most isolated areas to some of our biggest cities, they are in use to produce environmentally friendly, economical energy by harnessing the power of the sun.

Different types of Photovoltaic systems have different uses. The Simple Stand-Alone PV System is put in use most often in places where utility –generated power is too costly, unavailable, or undesirable. If there is not a lot of power required a stand-alone PV system could be perfect.

Producing energy where and when it is needed the basic stand-alone system can provide electricity for many functions. A few of these uses are to power water pumps for irrigation and drinking wells, to run ventilation fans for cooling or any other place where DC power can be used.

Stand-alone PV systems with battery storage create a source of electric power both day and night. These types of PV systems are used to provide lights, sensors, recording equipment, switches, appliances, telephone, televisions, and power tools the electricity they need to work. Equipped with an inverter, a stand-alone PV system can run any item requiring AC power as the inverter converts the DC to AC. These types of systems can be used to power a modern residence.

PV stand-alone systems are also used with backup generator power to provide electricity for instances where power must always be available. The backup generator can make up the difference when the system itself won’t produce the desired amount of electricity.

Hybrid power systems involve the combination of a number of electricity production and storage elements are in use to meet the energy demand of remote facilities, such as a rural home, a ranch or farm or even entire communities. Hybrid systems are frequently used for communication stations, military installations, and rural villages.

A grid connected PV system allows the owner to supply some of the power they use and have utility generated power at night and on cloudy days when the PV system cannot meet demands. Often the owner of a utility grid system can sell unused electricity to their local utility using net metering.

Net metering allows homeowners to receive the value of the electricity their solar energy systems produces. They also have the ability to use the utility energy during times their system may not be able to produce due to weather.

Large-scale photovoltaic plants can benefit utility companies in the generation of power. PV plants can be built quicker than fossil fuel using plants. Still the costs must be provided to the end user and the possibility of inadequate electricity must be taken into account before utilities use PV systems.