lesson03 - How PV Cells Work
A typical silicon PV cell is composed of a thin wafer consisting of an ultra-thin layer of phosphorus-doped (N-type) silicon on top of a thicker layer of boron-doped (P-type) silicon. When sunlight strikes the surface of a PV cell, this electrical field provides momentum and direction to light-stimulated electrons, resulting in a flow of current when the solar cell is connected to an electrical load.
a typical silicon PV cell produces about 0.5 – 0.6 volt DC under open-circuit, no-load conditions. The current (and power) output of a PV cell depends on its efficiency and size (surface area), and is proportional to the intensity of sunlight striking the surface of the cell.
Solar PV system
Solar cells produce direct current (DC), therefore they are only used for DC equipments. If alternating current (AC) is needed for AC equipments or backup energy is needed, solar photovoltaic systems require other components in addition to solar modules. These components are specially designed to integrate into solar PV system, that is to say they are renewable energy products or energy conservation products and one or more of components may be included depending on type of application. The components of solar photovoltaic system are
a typical silicon PV cell produces about 0.5 – 0.6 volt DC under open-circuit, no-load conditions. The current (and power) output of a PV cell depends on its efficiency and size (surface area), and is proportional to the intensity of sunlight striking the surface of the cell.
Solar PV system
Solar cells produce direct current (DC), therefore they are only used for DC equipments. If alternating current (AC) is needed for AC equipments or backup energy is needed, solar photovoltaic systems require other components in addition to solar modules. These components are specially designed to integrate into solar PV system, that is to say they are renewable energy products or energy conservation products and one or more of components may be included depending on type of application. The components of solar photovoltaic system are
1.
| Solar Module is the essential component of any solar PV system that converts sunlight directly into DC electricity. |
2.
| Solar Charge Controller regulates voltage and current from solar arrays, charges the battery, prevents battery from overcharging and also performs controlled over discharges. |
3.
| Battery stores current electricity that produces from solar arrays for using when sunlight is not visible, nighttime or other purposes. |
4.
| Inverter is a critical component of any solar PV system that converts DC power output of solar arrays into AC for AC appliances. |
5.
| Lightning protection prevents electrical equipments from damages caused by lightning or induction of high voltage surge. It is required for the large size and critical solar PV systems, which include the efficient grounding. |
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