Solar PV Basics
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The document outlines the basics of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, differentiating between grid-connected and off-grid systems. It discusses the types of PV cells, their conversion efficiencies, and how solar power performance is affected by temperature. Additionally, key terms related to solar module performance metrics and connections are defined.
Solar PV Basics
- 1. Solar PV basics Energy One Ltd By Mathy Mpassy Isinki Off Grid Energy Solutions Business and Technical Sales Professional
- 2. Heat and light The sun delivers its energy in two main forms:
- 3. Solar electric systems convert the sun’s light energy into electricity using photovoltaic cells.
- 4. Grid connected (or grid tied) and Off grid (or stand alone) Types of PV systems:
- 5. Grid connected solar PV systems export excess energy to the grid;
- 6. Off grid solar PV systems store excess energy into batteries.
- 7. Grid connected solar PV systems benefit from grid's energy while; Off grid solar PV systems benefit from energy stored into batteries. When the sun is not available:
- 8. Photovoltaic (PV) cells are made of light sensitive semiconductor materials using photons to dislodge electrons and drive an electric current.
- 9. Mono-crystalline silicon; Poly- crystalline; Thin films There are three main type of PV cells technology in use:
- 11. Crystalline silicon is made from ultra pure silicon material such as the one used for semiconductor chips; Thin films is made by depositing layers of semiconductors material onto glass or stainless steel substrate.
- 12. Mono-crystalline silicon: 12.5-15% Poly-crystalline silicon: 11-14% Copper Indium Gallium Selenide (CIGS): 10-13% Cadmium Telluride (CdTe): 9-12% Amorphous Silicon (a-Si): 5-7% Solar cells conversion efficiency:
- 13. Crystalline silicon: -0.4 to -0.5 CIGS: -0.32 to -0.36 CdTe: -0.25 a-Si: -0.21 Solar cells temperature coefficient:
- 14. Effect of temperature: PV cells performance declines as temperature rises
- 15. Solar PV modules are made of the aggregation of solar cells.
- 18. Solar power terms: Pmax: The maximum power a solar module can produce. Vpmax: The voltage at which maximum power is produced. Ipmax: The current at which maximum power is produced.
- 19. Voc: The maximum possible voltage across the solar module when current is zero. Isc: The maximum possible current flowing through the solar panel when no load is connected and voltage is zero.
- 20. Standard Test Conditions (STC): Temperature of the cell – 25°C. Solar Irradiance – 1000 Watts per square meter.
- 21. PV modules are connected in series into PV strings; PV arrays are formed by the parallel aggregation of PV strings.
- 22. Cables that can withstand environmental conditions are used to interconnect PV strings and arrays.
- 23. Visit us at www.energyoneafrica.com and learn more on off grid solar power!