The state of the environment in which we live is of the highest importance – without it we cannot live, and if it is not functioning normally our lives become increasingly difficult. The number of people on the planet and the accelerating rate of individual resource consumption are having negative or disruptive effects on the environment. Global warming and climate change are now global challenges attracting much media attention. Resources such as drinkable water, food and non-polluted environments are all becoming more dependent on technology and competition is growing for these resources. Thus the decisions that we need to make on our journey to becoming 'low carbon' should always be taken with environmental impacts in mind. - Description added by: David Lockie

Solar PV (photovoltaic) systems generate electricity when sunlight falls on solar panels which are normally made of crystalline silicon and mounted on the roof of the home or other building. Although a great deal of energy is consumed in the manufacture of PV systems, one installed they should continue to produce virtually free electricity for up to 20 years. - Description added by: www.microchap.info