PV systems, originally developed for use in space — where repairs are extremely expensive, if not impossible — are highly reliable. PV still powers nearly every satellite that circles the Earth, because it operates reliably for long periods of time and needs virtually no maintenance. And to dispel a commonly held "PV myth," PV systems can generate power in all types of weather. On partly cloudy days, they turn out as much as 80% of their potential energy. Even on extremely overcast days, they can still produce about 25% of their maximum output.

PV systems are easy to maintain. They have no moving parts, so visual checks and battery servicing are enough to keep systems up and running. Because manufacturers test solar panels for hail impact, high wind, and freeze-thaw cycles representing year-round weather conditions, weather damage is no greater potential problem for PV systems than for other types of energy production systems.

PV’s relative cost to build and operate is minimal

While electricity from PV is not yet cost-competitive with electricity from an established grid, it doesn't have to be. PV supplies electricity when and where energy is most limited and most expensive, making a valuable strategic contribution to our energy mix. Energy from PV doesn't simply replace some fraction of the generation; it displaces the right portion of the load. Once installed, PV systems can produce power continuously with little upkeep and minimal operating costs for up to 40 years.

Because PV cells use the energy from sunlight to produce electricity, the "fuel" is free. PV systems are usually placed close to where the electricity is used and usually require much shorter power distribution lines than those needed to bring power in from the utility grid. In addition, using PV eliminates the need for a transformer to "step down" the power from the utility line. Less wiring means lower costs, shorter construction times, and reduced permitting paperwork, particularly in urban areas. All these factors make PV systems cost-effective over their useful lives.

PV has virtually no environmental impact

Because PV systems burn no fuel and have no moving parts, they are clean and silent, producing no atmospheric emissions or greenhouse gases that have detrimental effects on the planet. Compared with electricity generated from fossil fuels, each kilowatt of PV-produced electricity offsets up to 830 pounds of oxides of nitrogen, 1,500 pounds of sulphur dioxide, and 217,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, every year.

PV can be produced domestically, strengthening our economy.

The PV industry can generate up to 3,000 jobs for every $100 million of module sales. As we keep steadily increasing our PV exports to other countries, our current trade deficit moves steadily toward a trade surplus. And PV is a free-market commodity, involving a mix of large and small businesses — with customer choice underpinning success and growth. As the costs of PV keep declining and the technology keeps improving, the industry has the potential to become one of the world's largest.

PV is modular and thus flexible in terms of size and applications.

A PV system can be constructed to any size in response to the energy needs at hand. And a PV system can be enlarged or moved as these energy needs change. In urban applications, PV can eliminate the need for costly trenches in streets. PV can be an outstanding choice for urban areas where grid power is unavailable or grid connections would be very costly or cumbersome.

PV meets the demand and capacity challenges facing energy service providers

When demand for electricity is high, utilities must fire up their "peaking" power plants to meet the demand for just a few hours a day. These peaking plants are expensive to operate, and the utility's electric distribution system must be sized to handle these high, albeit short-term, loads. When a utility installs grid-connected PV arrays, the PV-generated electricity is used directly to help supply a building's peak demand; this is often called "peak load shaving." Coincidentally for photovoltaics, the need to meet peak loads arises when the sun is shining the brightest.