Photovoltaic System
Photovoltaic systems: Basic to Complex
This article deals with the basic technical knowledge of how a Photovoltaic system works. The facts that would be presented here are factual and presented in the easiest manner possible.
A photovoltaic cell, from the terminology itself, defines the mechanism between light and electricity. PV system could be divided into three parts, namely: pure PV system, PV system with the grid and PV system with another power source.
Parts of Photovoltaic Systems
PV systems are composed of different parts depending on the type of PV system that you would be using. Here are the parts of a typical PV system:
1. PV array
2. Inverter
3. Charge Controller
4. Battery Bank
5. Electric Grid
6. Wirings
7. AC distributing panel
How Photovoltaic Systems Work
Photovoltaic solar panels are mostly composed of solar cells made from silicon since they are good conductors of electricity and they have the capacity to convert sunlight to electricity. Solar energy cells, when combined, produce a solar module which then comprises the solar array which is the black colored object use to capture sunlight.
Whenever the solar power panels capture sunlight they automatically create electricity that is then given to an Inverter. An inverter is used in order to transform the electricity from (DC) direct current to an (AC) alternating current.
**Your flashlight, CD player and cellular phones are examples of DC electricity since they are solely being powered by their batteries. While your electricity at home is an example of AC electricity since your home is being powered indefinitely on the different parts of your house such as the living room, dining room, garage, etc.
After going through an inverter, electricity can now be used in your home through the AC distributing panel. You can now watch TV, switch the light, iron your clothes etc.
Photovoltaic System with the Grid
With this system, excess power whatsoever will pass on the Grid. As you would observe your electric meter, it would continuously move forward whenever you use electricity; but if you have excess power from your photovoltaic solar energy system you would notice the meter turn backward. This benefit is not applicable to all countries, and if it does apply in your area various documents may need to be signed before proceeding.
Purely Photovoltaic System
Since PV systems are powered through the sunlight, it is basically accepted that whenever there is no sun, there is no power. In order to solve this problem Battery Banks are created so that they can serve as a temporary storage facility for the power being generated. The battery banks being referred here are different from the battery of your cars and it is because the power of PV residential solar panels are too strong for your car battery. Non Lead Nickel Cadmium batteries are used for PV solar power systems since they can accommodate their power and could be used for a very long time. In order to prevent overcharging Charge Controllers are used. From the word itself, charge controllers controls the electric charge being given to your battery banks.
Photovoltaic System with Other Power Source
This type of PV system is the same with Pure PV Systems; the only difference is that it has a generator or other equipment that could be used to generate electricity such as a wind mill for wind energy.
Costs of Photovoltaic Systems
According to the PV solar electric system a consumer’s guide 2003 edition, a typical 5 kilowatt would cost around 30,000 – 40,000$, 2KW around 13,000 – 20,000$. At home, we typically consume around 500KWH per month which is around 160$ so having to pay for the initial set up is a huge investment. Paying for the initial setup of photovoltaic systems is like paying for your electric bills in all in one package.
Consult your local agencies for the price of solar panels and also if there are any solar energy incentives. Before buying the equipment needed be sure that you consider all of the factors involved such as how big should the array be? What are the computations that I need to know? Etc. Lastly, be a smart shopper, find the lowest bidder with the greatest quality. Go save the environment. Go save your money.
