There is more than enough solar radiation available all over the world to satisfy a vastly increased demand for solar power systems. The sunlight which reaches the earth’s surface is enough to provide 2,850 times as much energy as we can currently use. On a global average, each square metre of land is exposed to enough sunlight to produce 1,700 kWh of power every year. The average irradiation in Europe is about 1,000 kWh per square metre, however, compared with 1,800 kWh in the Middle East.
Photovoltaic (PV) technology involves the generation of electricity from light. The essence of this process is the use of a semiconductor material which can be adapted to release electrons, the negatively charged particles that form the basis of electricity. The most common semiconductor material used in photovoltaic cells is silicon, an element most commonly found in sand. All PV cells have at least two layers of such semiconductors, one positively charged and one negatively charged. When light shines on the semiconductor, the electric field across the junction between these two layers causes electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of the light, the greater the flow of electricity. A photovoltaic system does not therefore need bright sunlight in order to operate, and can generate electricity even on cloudy days. Solar PV is different from a solar thermal collecting system (see below) where the sun’s rays are used to generate heat, usually for hot water in a house, swimming pool etc.
The most important parts of a PV system are the cells which form the basic building blocks, the modules which bring together large numbers of cells into a unit, and, in some situations, the inverters used to convert the electricity generated into a form suitable for everyday use. When a PV installation is described as having a capacity of 3 kWp (peak), this refers to the output of the system under standard testing conditions, allowing comparison between different modules. In central Europe a 3 kWp rated solar electricity system, with a surface area of approximately 27 square metres, would produce enough power to meet the electricity demand of an energy conscious household.
There are several different PV technologies and types of installed system.
technologies
- crystalline silicon technology Crystalline silicon cells are made from thin slices cut from a single crystal of silicon (mono crystalline) or from a block of silicon crystals (polycrystalline or multi crystalline). This is the most common technology, representing about 80% of the market today. In addition, this technology also exists in the form of ribbon sheets.
- thin film technology Thin film modules are constructed by depositing extremely thin layers of photosensitive materials onto a substrate such as glass, stainless steel or flexible plastic. The latter opens up a range of applications, especially for building integration (roof tiles) and end-consumer purposes. Four types of thin film modules are commercially available at the moment: Amorphous Silicon, Cadmium Telluride, Copper Indium/Gallium Diselenide/Disulphide and multi-junction cells.
- other emerging cell technologies (at the development or early commercial stage): These include Concentrated Photovoltaic, consisting of cells built into concentrating collectors that use a lens to focus the concentrated sunlight onto the cells, and Organic Solar Cells, whereby the active material consists at least partially of organic dye, small, volatile organic molecules or polymer.
system
- grid connected The most popular type of solar PV system for homes and businesses in the developed world. Connection to the local electricity network allows any excess power produced to be sold to the utility. Electricity is then imported from the network outside daylight hours. An inverter is used to convert the DC power produced by the system to AC power for running normal electrical equipment.
- grid support A system can be connected to the local electricity network as well as a back-up battery. Any excess solar electricity produced after the battery has been charged is then sold to the network. This system is ideal for use in areas of unreliable power supply.
- off-grid Completely independent of the grid, the system is connected to a battery via a charge controller, which stores the electricity generated and acts as the main power supply. An inverter can be used to provide AC power, enabling the use of normal appliances. Typical off-grid applications are repeater stations for mobile phones or rural electrification. Rural electrification means either small solar home systems covering basic electricity needs or solar mini grids, which are larger solar electricity systems providing electricity for several households.
- hybrid system A solar system can be combined with another source of power - a biomass generator, a wind turbine or diesel generator - to ensure a consistent supply of electricity. A hybrid system can be grid connected, stand alone or grid support.
