previous
  • Seven Steps to Choosing the Perfect Circular Saw
    Seven Steps to Choosing the Perfect Circular Saw
  • Wanted: Plumber for a Bathroom Remodel
    Wanted: Plumber for a Bathroom Remodel
  • 7 Small Bathroom Layouts
    7 Small Bathroom Layouts
  • Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
    Fine Homebuilding: The Digital Issues
  • VIDEO: Stop Paint from Bleeding
    VIDEO: Stop Paint from Bleeding
  • Replacing a Roof : Installing a Ridge Vent
    Replacing a Roof : Installing a Ridge Vent
  • Patrick's Barn: A Perfect Place for a Party
    Patrick's Barn: A Perfect Place for a Party
  • How To Make a Reciprocating-Saw Blade Guide Block
    How To Make a Reciprocating-Saw Blade Guide Block
  • Fine Homebuilding: The Current Issue
    Fine Homebuilding: The Current Issue
  • 10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
    10 Basement-Remodeling Tips and Techniques
  • How to Avoid Complicated Fractions
    How to Avoid Complicated Fractions
  • Your Guide to Energy Smart Homes
    Your Guide to Energy Smart Homes
  • The Self-Taught MBA: Inspired Reading
    The Self-Taught MBA: Inspired Reading
  • Top 10 Videos of 2011
    Top 10 Videos of 2011
  • The Inspector Game: Goofs on a Roof
    The Inspector Game: Goofs on a Roof
next
PRINT ADD TO FAVORITES

The New Age of Photovoltaics

Increased efficiency and better incentives are driving builders and homeowners alike to a cleaner source of electricity

by Scott Gibson

Today's photovoltaics have come a long way since the solar-energy heyday of the late 1970s and early '80s. Creating electricity from sunlight, photovoltaic panels can be big and strong enough not only to provide a household's power but also to return excess electricity to the power grid for others to use. Fine Homebuilding contributing editor Scott Gibson takes a look at the current state of photovoltaic energy, including system costs and efficiency.

The New Age of Photovoltaics
View as PDF
requires Adobe Reader
(Download for free)
From Fine Homebuilding192 , pp. 56-63 November 6, 2007
Related Topics:
Photovoltaic Cells | Silicon | Energy Efficiency | Green Building | Electrical Parts | Plastics and Composites | Other Materials
Related Articles
A House for the End of Cheap OilOnline Membership Required

Healthful, light-filled, and energy-efficient, this home reaches back to its California past and toward a sustainable futureby David Arkin

Zero Energy, Infinite Appeal

Winner of a national green-building award, this low-maintenance house should produce as much energy as it usesby Nathan Good

Downsizing for Comfort

An architect designs a small in-town house that uses sustainable materials, solar energy, and water conservation to improve quality of life (and afford it)by Christopher Stafford

Tour the Kelley Green HomeOnline Membership Required

Get an in-depth look at a near-zero energy house featuring recycled materials and solar-heating and rainwater-harvesting systems

Building Green Homes in the Pacific Northwest

Video tours and takeaways from Portland's Build It Green! 2008 event