Photovoltaics
Photovoltaics (PV) is the conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting(1) materials that exhibit(2) the photovoltaic effect. The photovoltaic effect is the generation of voltage and electric current in a material upon exposure to light.
A photovoltaic system employs solar modules, each comprising a number of solar cells, which generate electrical power.
PV installations may be ground-mounted, rooftop mounted(3), wall mounted or floating. The mount may be fixed or use a solar tracker to follow the sun across the sky.
Did you know? The term "photovoltaic" comes from the Greek (phōs) meaning "light", and from "volt", the unit of electromotive force, the volt, which in turn comes from the last name of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, inventor of the battery.
Quick Quiz:
True or False?
The power of sunlight that reaches the earth’s surface is almost 10,000 times more than the 13 TW equivalent(4) of average power consumed in 2005 by humans.
Comment down below what you think.
Advantages of photovoltaic systems
- High reliability
Photovoltaic systems are still highly reliable(5) even under harsh conditions. Photovoltaic arrays ensure continuous, uninterrupted operation of critical power supplies.
- Strong persistence(6)
Most modules in a PV system have a warranty period of up to 25 years and remain operational even after many years.
- Low maintenance costs
Photovoltaic systems require only regular inspections and occasional repairs, which are extremely low cost compared to conventional fuel systems.
- Zero fuel consumption
Photovoltaic systems do not require fuel and can eliminate associated procurement(7), storage and transportation costs.
- Noise pollution is small
The photovoltaic system can operate quietly with minimal mechanical movement.
- There is photovoltaic supervision(8)
In order to improve energy efficiency, photovoltaic systems may need to add some modules.
- Strong security
Photovoltaic systems do not require fuel and can be safely operated after proper design and installation.
- Strong independence
The reason for adopting this new technology in many residential areas is that photovoltaic systems maintain the independence of energy production and are therefore unaffected by utilities.
Disadvantages of photovoltaic systems
- High start-up cost
Each PV installation should be economically evaluated and compared to existing alternatives. At present, the construction cost of photovoltaic systems is relatively high, but with the reduction of photovoltaic system construction costs and the rise of traditional energy prices, photovoltaic systems will have strong economic competitiveness.
- Available solar radiation instability
For any solar system, weather changes will greatly affect the amount of electrical energy output. Therefore, the system design needs to be adjusted according to changes in climate and location.
- Have energy storage requirements
Some photovoltaic systems use batteries as energy storage devices. This increases the footprint, cost and complexity of the system.
- Efficiency needs to be improved
In order for PV systems to reflect cost-effectiveness, we need to use an efficient method to distribute the energy generated during use. However, they are now often used to power alternative inefficient appliances.
- Lack of knowledge and skills
Photovoltaic technology is an emerging technology. The lack of relevant information limits the development of its markets and technologies.
Conclusion
To Summarize, we think that Photovoltaics are a great and eco-friendly energy source.
While researching, we found out lots of interesting facts. Surprising was the amount of solar power which the sun gives us. It would be silly not to try and harvest this energy and use it in our daily lives. The many different advantages and disadvantages of Photovoltaics and its many environment friendly benefits were eye-opening. It almost shocking that we still use non-renewable energy to provide us energy when the 122 PW (power in watts) of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface is more than plentiful.
Kind Regards,
Alexa & Sandra & Joelle
Links
[1] Photovoltaics (wikipedia.org)
Vocab
(1) semiconducting: halbleitend
(2) exhibit: zeigen
(3) mounted: moniert
(4) equivalent: äquivalent
(5) reliability: zuverlässig
(6) persistence: Beständigkeit
(7) eliminate associated procurement: die damit verbundene Beschaffung eliminieren
(8) supervision: überwachung
Solution: True or False
True