Answers to the Details
Q: Is Planetary Power’s Technology similar to standard solar panels (photovoltaic technologies)?
A: No. Planetary Power does not use photovoltaic technology, but rather a novel approach using advanced optics and thermodynamic conversion methods.
Q: Is Planetary Power's approach more efficient than standard photovoltaic systems?
A: Yes. Planetary Power's technology is approximately 40% efficient, meaning it can convert 40% of the sun’s energy into usable electricity. Standard photovoltaic efficiencies are approximately 10%-20%. Given this efficiency advantage, Planetary Power's systems are smaller (smaller footprint) per Watt than comparable photovoltaic systems.
Q: Do Planetary Power's energy generation systems cost less than photovoltaic systems?
A: Yes. Given the high-efficiency of Planetary Power's systems, on a per Watt basis, our products are cost competitive with other forms of renewable energy while providing many additional benefits such as dispatchable power, peak power, and the ability to co-fire with natural gas.
Q: Since the Planetary Power's technology uses the sun’s energy, how many hours a day can these systems produce power?
A: Although Planetary Power's systems rely on sunlight to generate electricity, the novel, integrated energy storage system that Planetary Power is employing allows our SUNsparq™ system to generate electricity up to 24 hours a day in areas with adequate daytime sunlight.
Q: Can excess power be sold back to the electric grid?
A: Depending on the regulations of the local utility, excess electricity can potentially be sold back to the grid. In this regard, electricity produced by Planetary Power's systems is no different than electricity produced by other forms of renewable and non-renewable energy technologies.
Q: How can I learn more about Planetary Power and its products?
A: Please contact us using the information available on the Contact Us page or email sales@planetarypower.com.