PV solar (photovoltaic) systems consist of solar cells connected together in a solar module. PV solar modules are connected in series and called a PV array.
Solar energy is widely regarded as the one true form of green electricity. Energy from the sun is harnessed using solar panels and converted to electricity used in homes and industries. There are two types of solar panels:[1]
PV solar (photovoltaic) systems are made of solar cells interconnected within a solar panel. PV solar panels are connected in a series called a PV array. The electricity generated from the sun is passed through an inverter which converts it into a usable form. From the inverter, the electricity is transported to the fuse board, which distributes electricity to your home appliances.[2]
The deficit is imported from the grid if your electricity usage is more than the Solar PV’s output. When your PV solar system produces more power than you need, the excess can be diverted to a heat pump to heat your water or stored in a battery.
Solar cells are the powerhouse of PV solar systems, and the cells convert photons (light) into electric current. There are various types of fuel cells used in photovoltaic technology.
This is the most common cell type in PV architecture. Solar cells are affordable and highly efficient in photon to current conversion. The cells are assembled into solar modules, which are installed on roofs of houses, residential complexes, and industrial areas. They can also be mounted on the ground in large-scale systems that generate and distribute electricity.
Made of thin photon-absorbing layers. Thin-film solar panels are light, flexible, and easy to install as they are composed of micron-thick layers. They are ideal for portable uses such as hiking and can also be installed on non-conventional surfaces like windows. Thin-film solar cells are easy to scale up because they can be installed on most surfaces that receive sunlight. Such systems are often present within BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics) architecture due to the fact that they can be helped to reduce energy costs associated with commercial properties.
These are made of Group III elements such as indium and gallium and Group V elements like arsenic. These solar cells are usually the most expensive to manufacture and deploy. However, they are also the most efficient at converting photons into electrical energy. They are often used in high-energy applications such as satellites and unmanned vehicles, which require a high power-to-weight ratio.[3]
The sun’s movement often means regular solar panels can only utilise a few hours of direct sunlight. However, some PV modules are usually fitted with tracking systems that can move the module or array according to the sun’s position.
While such tracking infrastructure is costly, they drastically improve the production efficiency of PV solar modules. Furthermore, the additional cost of tracking capabilities can be offset by batteries which store unused electricity for later use.[4]
PV solar systems are a brilliant investment if they are properly installed. They can significantly reduce your electricity bill and increase the value of your home as a clean energy ecosystem. On the flip side, however, if the PV solar system installation is not done correctly, it can cost more money than it should save and cause problems in the future.
What are some issues to address when installing an off grid PV system? How can you choose the most appropriate PV array? What is the optimal size of solar photovoltaic panels? These and similar questions will be addressed below.
Most PV solar systems will be installed on the roof. You should consider the size of your roof, the open space available, as well as the orientation of the roof. An ideal PV solar system should face south, (in the northern hemisphere) and the wrong orientation will severely limit the production capacity of your solar PV panel. You can use Google Earth to find the location of your house and the suitability of a PV solar system based on the direction your roof is facing.
Several factors may influence the number of PV solar panels you choose to install. Your decision comes down to your needs and why you want to use solar energy. For instance, many people who own electric vehicles often opt to charge their cars using clean energy. Other users of PV solar systems may want to generate more power than they need, which they can sell to mains electricity suppliers. This is known as a PV grid configuration.[6]
It could also be wise to consider concentrator photovoltaics. In this case, a series of lenses will focus sunlight onto an existing array. These methods may help to reduce the size of the PV solar array that is required.
Note that PV solar technology also applies to in-house uses. Examples include photovoltaic boilers (popular for off grid PV projects) and power storage in the form of solar batteries supplied by separate PV generators). These factors determine the size of the array to meet these and other needs.
With solar energy, power can only be generated during the day. Most household users use most of their electricity for short periods usually in the evening. This is when EVs are plugged in, and cooking, showering, and other activities happen. Thus, throughout the day, when there is an active generation of electricity, most of this power is underutilised. Nowadays, PV solar systems and battery storage go hand in hand.
Battery storage can integrate with the solar PV system to store unused energy for use during peak hours. An inverter for PV power generation can then be employed to supply a home or business with accessible electricity. Other options for storing surplus energy include the generation of hydrogen by using electrolysis. This PV output can then be converted into electricity.[7]
Before you install a PV solar system, your installer should be aware of the size of your cut-out fuse. The fuse is located in the metre box and is managed by your electricity supplier. Electrical installations such as PV solar systems and EV charging ports may require a fuse cut-out upgrade to handle the extra load. Various PV solar systems have specified power requirements that ultimately dictate the type of PV solar system you can install.[6]
The inverter converts the direct current (DC) power from solar to alternative current (AC), the usable form of electricity. The inverter requires an ample open space where it can be mounted on a fireproof board as part of a consumer unit. PV solar systems often require an additional consumer unit to control and distribute extra power in a home. The inverter is composed of DC isolator switches, an AC isolator, and a generation metre. This setup requires sufficient space on its own as well as additional space for EVU and battery integration.[8]
The structural integrity of your roof is an essential factor to consider. PV solar systems require a significant roof area for the best generation capacity. This is even more relevant when referring to parallel arrays known as "PV strings".
Before contacting an installer of PV panels, do an assessment of your roof. Find out if any major repairs are due and how much weight it can handle for the PV installation. PV systems are installed once, so adequate time should be allocated to prepare the roof for installation.[8]
PV solar technology lets you produce your own electricity to meet your power needs. In order to be able to use the electricity generated in this way outside the times when the sun is shining, it is necessary to store this energy. PV solar technology is reliable, low maintenance, and can last for years with proper usage and is a path to the energy transition.
PV solar (photovoltaic) systems consist of solar cells connected together in a solar module. PV solar modules are connected in series and called a PV array.
There are two types of solar panels:[1]
The following different types of fuel cells used in photovoltaics are available:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THif5dHEbRw
[2] https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/solar/photovoltaics-and-electricity.php
[3] https://www.nrel.gov/research/re-photovoltaics.html
[4] https://www.products.pcc.eu/en/blog/photovoltaic-panels-vs-solar-panels-differences/
[5] https://news.energysage.com/average-solar-panel-size-weight/
[6] https://www.windynation.com/jzv/inf/how-properly-fuse-solar-pv-system
[7] https://cleantechnica.com/2017/06/13/fill-hydrogen-car-home-bond-villain/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw3zjcnAIq4
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