Beatrice Lang
Photovoltaic (PV) is a term used to describe the process of converting light into electricity. PV systems use solar cells to capture sunlight and transform it into electrical energy. This phenomenon, known as the photovoltaic effect, was first exploited in 1954 and has since been used to generate electricity for various applications, from powering satellites to homes and businesses. PV technology offers a promising path towards achieving energy independence from fossil fuels and addressing pressing environmental concerns.
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What You'll Learn
PV is an abbreviation for photovoltaics or solar photovoltaic
Solar photovoltaic (PV) cells generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and using that light energy to create an electrical current. There are many PV cells within a single solar panel, and the current created by all of the cells together adds up to enough electricity to help power schools, homes, and businesses. Solar panels produce direct current (DC) electricity, but with a solar inverter, this can be converted to alternate current (AC), which is used for home appliances.
PV systems can be categorised in terms of their connection to the electrical grid. Off-grid systems are generally used to cover the electricity needs of remote buildings or vacation homes without access to the public grid. These systems are convenient as they do not require special permits from electricity distribution companies, but they also require an additional generator or solar batteries to provide electricity when the sun is not shining. On the other hand, on-grid systems allow users to use electricity from the power company when needed and use the electricity generated by their panels when they do not need to use the power company's electricity, which can also be sold back to the grid.
Solar PV installation is best conducted by local installers, who can provide better rates. However, finding the right installer requires investing time in research. There are grants and schemes available to support the installation of solar PV panels, such as the ECO4 Scheme, which provides low-income households with access to more affordable and environmentally friendly energy options.
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PV cells generate electricity by absorbing sunlight
Photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells, are non-mechanical devices that generate electricity by absorbing sunlight. This process is called the photovoltaic effect, and it directly converts light into electricity using semiconducting materials such as silicon. The word photovoltaic comes from the Greek words "photo" or "phos", meaning light, and "volt", which refers to electricity. Therefore, PV cells are aptly named as they directly convert light into electricity.
The photovoltaic effect involves several steps. First, sunlight strikes the PV cell, and the photons (particles of light) are absorbed by the semiconductor material, typically silicon. The energy of the absorbed photons is transferred to electrons in the semiconductor, allowing them to break free from their atoms and creating electron-hole pairs. The PV cell is designed with a built-in electric field that separates these electron-hole pairs, directing the electrons and holes towards opposite sides of the cell. Metal conductive plates or electrodes attached to the cell allow the electrons to flow through an external circuit, generating an electric current. This current represents the generation of electrical energy from the absorbed sunlight.
PV cells are electrically connected to form modules, and these modules are connected to create arrays. The performance of a PV array depends on the amount of sunlight it receives, which can be impacted by factors such as climate, shading, and the angle of incidence. The efficiency of PV cells also varies depending on the type of semiconductor material and PV cell technology used.
PV systems can be connected to the electrical grid or function off-grid. Grid-connected systems allow users to draw electricity from the power company when needed and use their PV-generated electricity when available. Off-grid systems are typically used for remote buildings or vacation homes without access to the public grid, but they may require additional generators or solar batteries for electricity when sunlight is unavailable.
PV technology has been used since the 1950s and has become increasingly cost-competitive, with efficiency rates approaching 25% for state-of-the-art modules. With the potential to address environmental concerns related to fossil fuels, PV systems are being deployed at large scales to contribute to electric grids and power homes, businesses, and industries.
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PV systems can be categorised by their connection to the grid
Photovoltaic (PV) cells generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and using that light energy to create an electrical current. The word photovoltaic (PV) comes from the Greek word "photo" meaning light and the modern word "volt" or "voltage", a unit of electrical potential energy.
PV systems can be classified based on their connection to the grid. The two main PV systems are:
Stand-alone systems
These are systems that are not connected to the grid. They are generally used to cover the electricity needs of remote buildings or vacation homes with no access to the public grid. Stand-alone systems are also called off-grid systems. These panels are a convenient option since they do not require special permits from electricity distribution companies. However, since they are 100% independent, off-grid systems generally require an additional generator or solar batteries to have electricity when the sun is not shining. The simplest type of stand-alone PV system is a direct-coupled system, where the DC output of a PV module or array is directly connected to a DC load.
Grid-connected systems
Grid-connected PV systems are also referred to as "grid-tied" or "on-grid" solar systems. These systems are connected to the grid, which means you can use electricity from the power company when you need it. When you don’t, you can use the electricity generated by your panels for your personal use, and you can also choose to sell all, or the excess, back to the grid. In a grid-connected PV system, electricity flows back and forth to and from the mains grid according to sunlight conditions and the actual electrical demand at that time. The main advantage of a grid-connected PV system is its simplicity, relatively low operating and maintenance costs, and reduced electricity bills.
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PV panels are eligible for VAT reductions and grants
Photovoltaic (PV) cells, also known as solar cells, generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and using that light energy to create an electrical current. PV systems refer to the combination of multiple photovoltaic modules (or panels).
In Australia, the state of Victoria offers a rebate of up to $1,400 for the installation of solar panel (PV) systems for eligible households. To be eligible for the rebate, the household must meet certain criteria, including being the owner-occupier of the property, having a combined household taxable income of less than $210,000 per year, and the property address must not have received a solar panel (PV) rebate in the last 10 years.
Additionally, some regions may offer grants or incentives for the installation of PV panels. For example, the UK's Smart Export Guarantee scheme and the new ECO+ scheme, launching in Spring 2023, are expected to incentivize the adoption of green energy in private households. Similarly, the US Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy provides information on solar photovoltaic technology and grants.
The availability of VAT reductions, rebates, and grants for PV panels can vary by region, so it is essential to check the specific regulations and eligibility criteria in your area.
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PV cells can be made from silicon or thin-film materials
Photovoltaic (PV) cells are semiconductor devices that convert light into electricity. PV cells are made from materials such as silicon or thin-film compounds, which can efficiently absorb light and generate an electric current.
Silicon is the most common material used in PV cells, accounting for approximately 95% of the modules sold today. Silicon PV cells are made from silicon atoms connected to form a crystal lattice, which provides an organised structure that enhances the conversion of light into electricity. This crystalline structure can be created using the Czochralski Growth method, resulting in monocrystalline silicon wafers, or by allowing liquid silicon to cool and form polycrystalline grains. Silicon PV cells offer high efficiency, low cost, and long lifetimes, with modules expected to last for 25 years or more while still producing over 80% of their original power output.
Thin-film PV cells, on the other hand, are made by depositing one or more thin layers of PV material onto a supporting substrate such as glass, plastic, or metal. Thin-film PV cells can be flexible and lightweight, making them ideal for portable applications or for integration into products like windows. They also benefit from manufacturing techniques that require less energy and are easier to scale up than those for silicon cells. However, silicon PV cells currently offer higher efficiencies than thin-film alternatives.
The two main types of thin-film PV semiconductors on the market are cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). CdTe is the second-most common PV material and can be produced using low-cost manufacturing processes, making it a cost-effective alternative to silicon. CIGS cells have optimal properties for a PV material and exhibit high efficiencies in lab settings, but the complexity of combining four elements makes large-scale manufacturing challenging. Perovskite solar cells are another type of thin-film PV cell that is built with layers of materials printed or coated onto a substrate. These cells have shown rapid efficiency improvements but are not yet commercially viable due to durability concerns.
In addition to silicon and thin-film PV cells, there are also emerging third-generation solar cells that utilise a range of substances, mostly organic, and often employ organometallic compounds. These include III-V solar cells, which are constructed from elements in Group III and Group V of the periodic table, such as gallium, indium, arsenic, and antimony. While these cells are more expensive to manufacture, they offer higher power-to-weight ratios, making them suitable for use in satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
PV stands for photovoltaic, which is the direct conversion of light into electric power using semiconducting materials such as silicon. The word photovoltaic comes from the Greek words "photo" or "phos", meaning light, and "volt", which refers to electricity.
PV systems use solar cells to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. PV cells generate electricity by absorbing sunlight and using that light energy to create an electrical current.
There are two main types of PV systems: those that are connected to the electrical grid and those that are not. Off-grid systems are generally used to power remote buildings or vacation homes without access to the public grid. On-grid systems allow users to use electricity from the power company when needed and use the electricity generated by their panels when they don't need to rely on the power company.
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