Solar panels point towards the sun to absorb photovoltaic energy.
Photovoltaic energy is produced when sunlight is converted into energy using solar cells or semiconductors. These semiconductor cells are usually made of silicon and contain no corrosive materials or moving parts. As long as the solar cells are exposed to light, they will produce photovoltaic energy with minimal maintenance. This energy is also ecologically clean, silent and safe.
Photovoltaics is a renewable energy that can significantly reduce the dependence on traditional energies.
The term “photovoltaic” has two parts: photo, a Greek word meaning light, and voltaic, a reference to electric power innovator Alessandro Volta. In 1839, the French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, the production of one volt through the use of a semiconductor. This discovery stimulated further experiments with light sources and semiconductors, leading to the invention of solar cells that produce photovoltaics.
Solar photovoltaic power sources generally require the installation of disconnect switches or isolators.
Individual solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, are manufactured in many different shapes and sizes. Sometimes only one cell is needed to power a device, but more often than not many cells are connected together to form solar panels or modules. These modules can then be connected to create photovoltaic arrays that can be used to power small buildings or large complexes. The resulting PV power output depends on the size of the array. The size can vary depending on the amount of sunlight available and the amount of power required.
Although the power output of a PV system depends on the total amount of light exposure, it will still generate power on cloudy or overcast days. To store this energy for later transmission, consumers have a variety of storage systems. The most reliable storage systems use a combination of rechargeable batteries and energy storage capacitors, some of which can be designed for AC or DC power.
The amount of power available on cloudy days and at night in a PV system depends on the power output of the PV modules and the battery layout. Adding additional modules and batteries will increase the power available, but will also increase the cost of the system. For best results, a thorough needs versus cost analysis should be performed to create a system design that balances cost and necessity with ease of use. Well-designed systems offer the opportunity to scale up or down as power needs increase or decrease.
Photovoltaics is emerging as a viable solution to energy problems around the world. Its current uses include power plants, transportation, rural electricity supply, and solar roads. While it still has a long way to go to become the world’s leading energy source, continued research into photovoltaics may hold promise for the future.