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Benefits Cost Design Reliability Modular Environmental Less Oil Reliance
Photovoltaics (PV) are an important energy technology for many reasons. As a solar energy technology, it has numerous environmental benefits. As a domestic source of electricity, it contributes to the all nation's energy security. As a relatively young, high-tech industry, it helps to create jobs and strengthen the economies throughout the world.
As it costs increasingly less to produce and use, it becomes more affordable and available. And there are many more reasons, as we shall see.
Few power-generation technologies have as little impact on the environment as photovoltaics. As it quietly generates electricity from light, PV produces no air pollution or hazardous waste. It does not require liquid or gaseous fuels to be transported or combusted. And because its energy source - sunlight - is free and abundant, PV systems can guarantee access to electric power.
PV frees us from the cost and uncertainties surrounding energy supplies from politically volatile regions. And in addition to reducing our trade deficit, a robust domestic PV industry creates new jobs.
The University of Wyoming and several rural electric companies have set up demonstration projects to study the durability, maintenance requirements, and useful life of solar-powered water-pumping systems. Solar electric systems are an ideal choice in Wyoming's vast rural areas, especially those at a considerable distance from conventional power lines.
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