Operational principle
The transformation of sunlight in electricity. Photovoltaics is a fascinating technology as a lasting alternative to fuel power plants and nuclear reactors.
Traditionally solar cells are based of silicon (Si), and therefore nothing different than sand. Photovoltaic cells go through a long and complicated production process, until getting to the stage where electricity is generated in reaction to the sunlight. The silicon base material is available almost endlessly (after oxygen that’s the second most frequent element in our planet).
The word Photovoltaic is the result of joining photos - the Greek word for light - and Volta – surname of Alessandro Volta, a pioneer of electro-technology.
The solar cell constitutes the core of a Photovoltaic Power Plant. There are several types of cells, but the most common is the crystalline solar (C-Si), amorphous silicon solar cell (aSi), cadmium tellurium solar cell (Cd-Te) and copper gallium indium selenium solar cells (CGIS).
The interconnection of several cells becomes a module, which is made weather-proof by means of a laminating from glass and plastic. Photovoltaic Power Plants become once installing serial and parallel connections of several modules.
However, to be able to use the produced energy in the public electricity supply system, it requires a transformation of direct current (DC) to alternate current (AC). This function is delivered by equipment so-called inverters.
Modules may be either mounted over fix structures or over tracking systems. Last ones are able to follow the sun track all the year-round, like a sunflower (either 1-axis or 2-axis movement). The selection of each technology depends on the irradiation and the general characteristics of the location, the cost difference of the respective systems and mounting possibilities.
World-wide it’s considered that only 0,06% of the power consumption is produced by solar energy (state in 2006) - thus it arises a virtually inexhaustible potential for the future growth of Photovoltaics.
The production of electricity in Southern Europe through photovoltaics provides exceptional values, due to their naturally privileged location.
Are you thinking in PV investments? Please contact us for further assistance.