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Solar energy can be used in a number of forms. BASIC is primarily concerned with photovoltaics (or PV) - devices that create electricity from the energy of the sun. Most commonly, photovoltaics come in panels, or modules, that can be mounted on rooftops. They can also be integrated into building materials, such as tinted windows, skylights and roofing shingles - this is called Building-Integrated Photovoltaics, or BiPV.
Other solar technologies can be used for heating water and heating and cooling homes. All are viable in NYC, but PV has the advantage of helping to alleviate electricity shortages in the city without the construction of new fossil fuel power plants.
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