Vision Solar205 Arch Street , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Vision Solar is a full-service renewable energy company servicing residents in NJ and PA with commercial service nationwide.  In addition to focusing on LEED, we maintain the entire process from design through architecture, engineering, permitting, installation, and activation. With over 50 combined years of solar experience, Vision Solar is continuously reinventing the solar experience.

OUR PROCESS

Vision Solar maintains the entire process from design through architecture, engineering, permitting, installation, and activation. 

What Exactly Is Photovoltaic Energy?

The photovoltaic effect is the process that creates voltage or electric current by exposure to light. Photo means light, and voltaic means volts or electricity. A solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells made out of a silicon semi-conductor. When these special silicon cells are exposed to light, they generate electricity. The solar panel system then converts that electricity into current that can be used by your house.  Solar PV is one way to differentiate from solar thermal systems that are used to heat water. The water heater systems don’t use the photovoltaic effect. Instead they use a liquid similar to antifreeze to transfer heat from the sun to the water to make hot water.  In a solar PV system, the photovoltaic effect means that when light strikes the surface of the solar cell, electrons become energized and start moving around. The solar cell is designed to make the electrons move in one direction. When you get enough of these electrons moving you have direct current (DC) electricity like from a battery. Then the inverter for the solar panels converts the DC in to alternating current or AC electricity that your house uses.  Ever gotten a sunburn on a cloudy day? The photovoltaic effect works the same way. Your solar panels will generate reduced power even on cloudy days because the UV light still gets through the clouds.  That’s why European countries like Germany have invested so much in solar power. They know solar power still works even when you can’t see the sun.

What Maintenance Is Involved With Your Solar System?

Solar power is one of the best energy solutions for your home since the invention of electricity. The continuous light the sun provides is an unmatched resource. Solar helps the environment while being extremely cost effective. So how do you maintain your solar system to get the most out of it?  Vision Solar’s panels are very durable and there is actually little maintenance involved. That itself is one of the best parts of going solar. On average, a solar system will last 25-30 years with almost no extra work on your part. Also, if something does go wrong, our warranty will cover most of the parts and maintenance.  For the most part, you’ll barely even have to clean your system. If you live in an area with a high amount of pollution, smog, or debris you will have to clean them every few years. Because of the materials the panels are made of, it’s similar to cleaning the windows on your house. Depending on the angle your panels are set at, they will self-clean (make sure to discuss this with one of our experts). Snow accumulation will melt off and your panels being covered in snow will have little to no effect on your solar energy.