Solar photovoltaics working pdf

What is a solar photovoltaic (PV) energy system?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems are made up of diferent components. Each component has a specific role. The type of component in the system depends on the type of system and the purpose.

What is the photovoltaic effect?

The photovoltaic effect is the basic physical process through which a PV cell converts sunlight into electricity. Sunlight is composed of photons (like energy accumulations), or particles of solar energy. These photons contain various amounts of energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum.

How does a photovoltaic system work?

The heart of a photovoltaic system is the solar module. Many photovoltaic cells are wired together by the manufacturer to produce a solar module. When installed at a site, solar modules are wired together in series to form strings. Strings of modules are connected in parallel to form an array.

Should you consider a photovoltaic (PV) system?

If you are thinking of generating your own electricity, you should consider a photovoltaic (PV) system—a way to gen-erate electricity by using energy from the sun.

How much energy can a solar PV system generate?

The most exotic PV systems presumedly can convert 40% of the sun's energy into electricity, but at great complexity and cost. More practical ultimate design levels are about 20% to 25%. Efficiencies of this magni tude are nearly comparable with conventional steam turbine electricity-generating efficiencies.

Are photovoltaics a good energy source?

Clearly, photovoltaics have an appealing range of characteristics. However, there are ambivalent views about solar, or photovoltaic, cells' ability to supply a significant amount of energy relative to global needs. Those pro, contend: Solar energy is abundant, in exhaustible, clean, and cheap.