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SOLAR PV. The conversion of solar energy directly into electricity in a solid state device. How does it work?. Stream of photons hit panels at a suitable wave length Hits P-N junction and transfers energy to some electrons creating higher energy level
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SOLAR PV The conversion of solar energy directly into electricity in a solid state device
How does it work? • Stream of photons hit panels at a suitable wave length • Hits P-N junction and transfers energy to some electrons creating higher energy level • Produces voltage of 0.5 V and delivers current proportional to sunlight intensity with a max of 3A
Materials Used • Most made out of crystalline silicon • Monocrystalline- until recently always used, expensive • Polycrystalline- easier and cheaper than mono, but less efficient • Others include: • CIS- copper Indium diselenide • CIGS- copper gallium diselenide • CdTe- Cadmium telluride ( highest lab efficiency at 17%)
Different Technologies • Thin Film- much cheaper but much less efficient (12%) than crystalline silicon • Multi junction- 2+ PV junctions stacked together • Concentrating systems- using mirrors and lenses to concentrate solar radiation • Silicon spheres- tiny polycrystalline spheres, cheap & low grade • Photoelectrochemical cells- not PV b/c its liquids- manufactured on small scale
Remote vs Grid Connected • Remote • Runs with a battery for storage • Good for developing countries fridges, water, pumping, lights • Grid Connected • Transforms DC power from PV to AC at a voltage frequency that can be accepted by grid • Debt/ credit meters measure amounts bought and sold to utility
remote GRID
More… • Large, grid connected PV power plants • Multi megawatt scale, optimal sunlight sites (africa, cali etc), distributed by grid • Satellite solar power • In space, receive more sunlight, use microwaves to send to earth- too much capital needed • Non- domestic PV systems • Roof top, used on site
Costs of Energy • High capital costs, low running costs • Still too expensive • Smaller systems more expensive p/ watt • 1982- 27$/wp VS 2006- $4/wp • 2003- residential system would be approx $8-12,000 per kwp installed (usually 1.5-2kwp)
What the future holds… • Growing at a rapid rate • No green house emissions • Must become more efficient (leading is 17%) • Mass production is needed- market isn’t there yet