sustainable energy

GREEN DESIGN ASPECTS & PRODUCTS
sanu mathew (1988 elec)
director
seed engineering consultants , dubai

PHOTOVOLTAICS

The word "photovoltaic" combines two terms - "photo" means light and "voltaic" means voltage. A photovoltaic system uses photovoltaic cells to directly convert sunlight into electricity.

CONSIDERATIONS:
The technology employed in photovoltaic (PV) systems is well-developed and there are improvements and modifications occurring regularly, primarily in production processes. The systems are quite reliable and have been well tested in space and terrestrial applications.
The primary obstacle to increased use of photovoltaic systems is their high initial cost. Continuous price reductions have been occurring. In some off-grid locations as short as one quarter mile, photovoltaic systems can be cost effective versus the costs of running power lines into the property and the subsequent continual electric charges.
The primary strategy for use of PV's as the electrical power source for a residence is reducing the need for electricity. Refrigerators, air conditioners, electric water heaters, electric ranges, electric dryers, and clothes washers are all large users of electricity. Highly energy conserving alternatives and gas appliances are available to greatly reduce electrical loads.
COMMERCIAL STATUS
TECHNOLOGY:
Reliable and well tested. PV subsystem componentry are greatly improved but installation and equipment selection generally requires engineering for each individual application.
IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES
FINANCING:
The main issue that we face in Dubai is the lack of finances and still it is not a viable alternative with a good pay back. The main issue is that Dubai’s electricity costs are very minimal and to complement with a huge initial capital cost is not economically viable.

However with the new Dubai government directive to go for green buildings, we can see more use of these
What we do at SEED
We provide all design solutions for LEED and sustainable designs.