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 Photovoltaic Panels
The national park is located in a remote area of southwestern Utah, where power is not always reliable. But Zion does receive a lot of sunlight. Photovoltaic (PV) panels, seen here on the south roof, convert sunlight directly into electricity. The electric current can be used immediately or it can be stored for later use. Using photovoltaics in combination with utility power provides a highly reliable power source.
The Visitor Center was designed to use very little electricity. Thanks to daylighting, there is minimal electrical lighting, and cooltowers eliminate the need for air conditioning. Photovoltaic panels provide around 30% of the needed electricity. Excess power is sold back to the power company for use elsewhere, and some of the energy is stored in batteries. When the utility can't provide power, the batteries can supply energy for routine daytime use (running cooltowers, window controllers, cash registers, and computers).
See a diagram illustrating solar electricity.
More information on photovoltaics.
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