How does the PV Solar Shutter produce power?
When PV cells are exposed to direct sunlight they convert it into electricity. This electricity is then fed into a small “grid tie inverter.” The inverter “translates” the electricity so it is usable in a building or residence. The inverter not only changes the current from DC to AC, but also matches a building’s electrical system. That means that when the grid tie inverter it connected to the building’s power system, the electricity produced by the shutter speaks the same language as the electricity in your building or house and is available for use right now.
How much power will the PV Solar produce?
On a nice sunny day, a shutter covering a patio door can produce about 500 Watts per hour. That power goes directly into your system and is available for immediate use. That means in an average week your shutters might produce 21,000 Watts of power. If you are charged $.30 per kwh, you can save $28 per month or $336 per year just by covering your patio doors.
What does that 500 Watts per hour mean to me in real terms?
Producing 500 watts of power means you put enough power back in your household system to run an average big screen TV, your computer, and maybe some small appliances, all using power you produced. The more you produce, the less you draw from the grid.
How is the PV Solar Shutter different from putting up a solar panel?
You don’t need battery banks or large inverters. Connect the shutter to the small grid tie inverter, connect the inverter to the building’s power system, and the power is fed into the house where it can be used by anything that draws power from the grid. In addition, these shutters are beautiful, easy to install, and offer all the UV and heat blocking benefits of standard shutters – the only difference is that the PV Solar Shutter is the shutter that pays you back!
Can I design these in a new building and tie them into a standard inverter?
Yes. The PV Solar Shutter can be direct wired and planned in, just like any other solar module.
Does the PV Solar Shutter come in different materials or colors?
The PV Solar Shutter can be made out of any rapidly renewable, sustainably acquired, or recycled/repurposed material. We offer a wide range of colors and can match most colors with no problem using plant-based products manufactured by AFM Safecoat, America’s leading sustainable producer of paints. Solar cells now come in different colors as well. Check out New & Notes page to see a write up on different color solar cells.
Does this product work for high and mid-rise buildings? And what about renters?
The PV Solar Shutter is the perfect solution for consumers who need a portable, solar product that does not require roof space or room for large inverters or battery banks. They are easy to move and work like any standard window covering.
Why should I buy from Plug ‘n Save Energy Products?
Our company has made a total commitment to using both earth-friendly materials and business practices. We use only rapidly renewable, responsible forestry, or sustainable materials. Our paints and stains are all plant-based and are no VOC. We re-use waste within our own processes and are continually looking for ways to increase that effort. We offset some of our own power needs for manufacturing using our products to produce power. We are also proud to give back 1% of all sales to environmentally focused nonprofits as a part of our membership in 1% for the Planet.
