Photovoltaic installers may need to “sell” the photovoltaic system. Normally, the installer only enters the project after deciding to install the system, but sometimes the installer needs to prove the potential users of the photovoltaic system. Knowledge of the economics and environmental benefits of photovoltaic systems is very useful at this time.
Grid-connected photovoltaic is the largest and fastest growing photovoltaic application. This rapid growth is mainly due to fiscal incentive policies. Fiscal incentive policies are a key point in the marketization of photovoltaic systems. The public usually does not understand the extent and limitations of these incentive policies to their profit, and explain to potential customers that these incentive policies are the rights of the installer. Most systems will benefit from FiT, and installers should be fairly familiar with local regulations, which is priceless. It is also important to keep up to date with changes in regulations.
The green impression released by the photovoltaic system is also an important selling point, which means that customers may want the photovoltaic system to be in a position with good visibility, even at the expense of system performance. They may also choose more beautiful-looking components instead of high-efficiency components. The installer needs to make the customer absolutely clear about the relative impact of these decisions.
Among the many power generation technologies, photovoltaic power generation has many unique advantages and has contributed to the popularity of photovoltaic power generation today:
●High reliability and low maintenance of photovoltaic system. Does not include rotating parts, and photovoltaic modules are very strong, usually with a 20-25 year warranty.
●Photovoltaic system is good for the environment. Some people may think that the electricity generated by the photovoltaic system during its life cycle is not enough for its production. This is inaccurate. The energy payback period is 2-7 years, depending on the system components, design, installation and geographic location. In addition, this energy is clean and renewable, which in turn can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Photovoltaic modules are also recyclable.
●The installation of grid-connected photovoltaic system is simple and fast. The modular nature of photovoltaics also makes it very easy to install. The installation scale can be large or small without changing the main products. In the project life cycle, components can usually be added or removed.
●Photovoltaic represents a good investment: photovoltaic systems can increase the value of installed buildings, and many fiscal incentives such as FiT are statutory and last for a period of time.
●Photovoltaics can be used as a public demonstration of sustainability and greenhouse gas emission reduction. This may be needed for company marketing, because photovoltaic green features are a simple, highly visible way to promote and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
Despite these positive characteristics, photovoltaic technology has some strong obstacles, including:
●High capital cost: The high capital cost of the system is the main deterrent to investors, or it may give some people the impression that the photovoltaic system is unattainable. This is the focus of the funding reduction and green loan program.
●Lack of public knowledge and publicity: photovoltaic power generation is still shrouded in many mysteries, for example, it is too expensive to even consider placing it on the roof, and the power generated by the system is lower than the power consumed by its manufacturing. The photovoltaic industry needs to actively carry out education to get rid of these mysteries.
● Lack of industry: The grid-connected photovoltaic system industry is still in the cultivation period in most parts of the world. Only a limited number of companies provide training and installation, and standards and regulations are still being developed.
●Lack of planning: As mentioned earlier, the solar radiation received by photovoltaic modules is greatly affected by the orientation, but the installation project is usually restricted by the roof orientation. When many towns were planned and constructed, the roof orientation did not consider the future installation of photovoltaic systems.
●Grid dispatch based on main power source: Most power markets are not yet suitable for distributed power generation, that is, small photovoltaic systems. Some people seek to install small rooftop photovoltaic systems and are also required to complete paperwork like large coal-fired power stations are connected to the grid. Over time, power companies are adapting to handle distributed generation and simplify interconnection procedures.
●Completely integrated fossil fuels: Having a good supply of fossil fuels and building a complete system is a key obstacle to photovoltaic systems. Despite the numerous advantages of photovoltaic power generation, fossil fuels are still a more cost-effective solution. Some policies impose costs on the environmental damage of fossil fuels, such as emissions trading policies and carbon taxes, which push up the price of fossil fuel power generation and make photovoltaics and other renewable energy more competitive.
olution. Some policies impose costs on the environmental damage of fossil fuels, such as emissions trading policies and carbon taxes, which push up the price of fossil fuel power generation and make photovoltaics and other renewable energy more competitive.