Green Building Features

Click on the images above to learn about the features of the building.

 

 

 

Photovoltaics

What are photovoltaics?
Photovoltaics, or PV for short, is a technology that produces electricity (voltaic) from sunlight (photo). Specially designed PV or solar cells, which are made of silicon, are connected to form solar modules, panels, and larger systems known as arrays, and can be mounted on building facades or roofs, or integrated into building construction, such as with PV roof shingles.

Photovoltaics are able to capture both solar and nonsolar sources of light (such as light from incandescent lightbulbs) and produce direct current electricity from that light to power a variety of equipment. You might have solar cells in your calculator or a wristwatch, which require minimal energy to operate. Photovoltaic arrays, on the other hand, are able to capture much more light for significant output of electricity – such as that required to power office building systems.

Why use photovoltaics?
Solar energy  technology is a key element in the shift to a clean, renewable energy supply. Unlike with traditional fossil fuel or nuclear-powered energy plants, capturing the sun’s energy creates no pollution, its supply is limitless, and as manufacturing capacity catches up to demand,  the cost-benefit of PV technology will increase.

 

Next: High Performance Envelope...