Environmental Technologies and Eco-innovation in the Czech ...

2.2.4 | Photovoltaic power plants
By 2050, direct transformation of solar radiation into electrical energy in photovoltaic
panels is considered as the technology with the greatest potential for producing
energy from RES, although its development requires the greatest subventions now.
This technology does not need any fuel for its output, it does not emit any airborne
release contaminants, and it does not include a rotary system, a normal source of
failure and noise. All of these factors are typical for other equipment that produces
energy from RES.
Today’s output from photovoltaic power plants is rapidly increasing when compared
to its market share during the preceding year. In 2007, the output represented about
5.4 MWp 5 , whereas at the end of 2008, it was already 54.7 MWp.
PVPPs significantly contribute to environmental protection. The Bušanovice I and II
PVPPs save 1 500 tons of CO 2 emissions a year compared to the electricity produced by
thermal power plants.
2.3 | Renewable energy sources use for heating
and cooling deliveries
The Czech Republic consumes between 1 100 and 1 200 PUs (generation unit) for
providing heat to industry and households. 50 PUs are used by households and the rest
by industry and others.
RES energy also shares in deliveries of centrally supplied heating. Biomass, biogas
and geothermal heat from heat pumps are used both for larger systems for supplying
heat and for small systems or single-home systems. In contrast, solar collectors for hot
water heating are almost exclusively used for individual buildings and single family
houses.
5 MWp – megawatt peak; unit of peak output being supplied by the solar equipment under ideal conditions (clear day)