A solar power system not only allows you to become less exposed to ever-increasing energy costs, but also enables you to protect the environment, as electricity generated by a solar power system eliminates many tons of CO₂ emissions. In Germany, for instance, 700 grams of CO₂ are emitted on average to produce a kilowatt hour of household electricity in coal, gas and nuclear power plants. In contrast, a solar power system cuts emissions by 569 grams per kilowatt hour and year. Thus, 3.6 million tons of CO₂ were eliminated in 2009 as a result of all the installed solar power systems.

Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. The term 'photovoltaics' is made up of the word 'photo' – the Greek word for light – and 'volta' – after Alessandro Volta, a pioneer in electro-technology ('photovoltaic effect').