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Solar Power Explained
"Solar energy—power from the sun—is a vast and inexhaustible resource. Once a system is in place to convert it into useful energy, the fuel is free and will never be subject to the ups and downs of energy markets. Furthermore, it represents a clean alternative to the fossil fuels that currently pollute our air and water, threaten our public health, and contribute to global warming. Given the abundance and the appeal of solar energy, this resource is poised to play a prominent role in our energy future."
(Source: Union of Concerned Scientists)
What is Solar PV?
Solar Photovoltaic panels generate electricity directly from sunlight, not from heat. They capture the sun's energy to generate electricity cleanly and quietly. Light energy is converted directly into electricity by transferring sunlight photon energy into electrical energy. This conversion takes place within cells of specially fabricated semiconductor crystals.
While it might be true that solar cannot generate electricity all the time, it does generate electricity when it is needed most – during the day and on hot sunny days when electricity demand is at its peak driven by air-conditioners.
Importantly, electricity is generated at the point of demand - where people live and work which means there is no need to transfer the energy long distances across expensive infrastructure.
Click to view enlargement
(Source: SolSource)
Photovoltaic (PV):
Photovoltaic cells are the basic components of a solar system. PV cells convert the sun's energy into electricity. When sunlight makes contact with a PV cell it produces an electric current. PV cells are connected together in a solar module, which has a non-reflective glass front, a protective insulating backsheet and an aluminum frame for strength and mounting.
Solar Panels/Modules: Solar panels are groups of solar modules that are connected electrically to generate direct current (DC) electricity at the desired voltage and current. The more panels that are connected together the higher the amount of electricity that is generated. Panels are installed on rooftops or open areas that have full sun exposure. Solar electricity systems vary in size according to the electricity demand. Typical sizes include:
- Residential houses: 1kWp - 10kWp
- Commercial buildings: 5kWp - 100kWp
- Large scale for cities: 1MWp - 200MWp
Inverter:
The inverter transforms direct current electricity produced by the solar panels in alternating current (AC) electricity - the form of electricity used by most standard lights, motors, computers and air conditioners. The inverter also provides safety functions such as automatic shutdown of the solar electric system in the event of a power failure.
AC Safety:
The AC safety or disconnect switch is a manual switch that can be used to disconnect a building's electrical system from the solar electricity system.
Performance Monitoring:
The performance of the solar system can be tracked from accessing the performance menus on the inverter or monitoring the reading on the electricity meter.
(Source: Cal Energy Group)