Photovoltaic Systems

The operating principle of a photovoltaic system is based on the photovoltaic effect.

The photovoltaic effect involves the conversion of solar energy into electricity, in which two materials with specific characteristics (semiconductors of different ion polarity impurities), when brought into contact and subsequently exposed to solar radiation, produce an electric current. These contacts form the photovoltaic cells, which are connected in frames, panels and arrays. Sunlight – solar energy is essentially small packets of energy called photons. Photons of sunlight contain different amounts of energy depending on the wavelength of the solar energy spectrum. Blue or ultraviolet, for example, have more energy than red or infrared. So, when photons impinge on a photovoltaic cell, which is essentially a semiconductor, some are reflected, some pass through it and some are absorbed by the photovoltaic or photovoltaics. It is these latter photons that produce electricity (energy). These photons cause the electrons in the photovoltaic or photovoltaic cells to move to a different position. The basic theory of electricity is the movement of electrons from positive to negative. So, on this simple principle of physics is based one of the most sophisticated technologies of electricity generation nowadays.

The basic characteristics of PV systems, which differentiate them from other forms of renewable energy, are:

– Direct production of electricity, even on a very small scale, e.g., at the level of a few tens of W or even mW.

– They can be installed in cities, integrated in buildings and do not aesthetically affect the environment.

– They can be combined with other energy sources (hybrid systems).

– They are systems that can be expanded at a later stage to meet the increased needs of users without modifying the original system.

– They operate quietly, emit zero pollutants and have no impact on the environment.

– Maintenance requirements are virtually zero.

– They have long service life and reliability during operation. The warranties given by the manufacturers for PV generators are more than 25 years of good operation.

– Energy independence of the user is the biggest advantage of PV systems. The cost of the electricity generated by PV systems is currently comparable to the peak power costs charged by the electricity company to its customers.

– PV systems can make a significant contribution to so-called ‘Distributed Power Generation’, which is the new model for the development of modern energy systems for the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. The diversification in energy production offered by PV systems, combined with the high degree of independence from oil and the avoidance of further environmental pollution, can create conditions for economic growth in a new energy landscape that is currently taking shape in developed countries.

Why turn to solar energy and PV installation?

To meet at least two needs. The need for energy and the need to protect the environment. Every kilowatt-hour of electricity supplied by the PPC grid and produced from fossil fuels, pollutes the atmosphere with at least one kilogram of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is known to be the most important greenhouse gas contributing to dangerous climate change. A switch to clean energy sources, such as solar energy, is the only way forward to prevent the climate changes that currently threaten the planet. In addition, the use of solar energy means fewer emissions of other dangerous pollutants (such as carcinogenic microparticles, nitrogen oxides, sulphur compounds, etc.). These pollutants cause serious damage to health and the environment.

Photovoltaics entail significant benefits for the environment and society. Benefits for the consumer, for energy markets and for sustainable development.

Solar energy is a clean, inexhaustible, gentle and renewable energy source. Solar radiation is not controlled by anyone and is an inexhaustible domestic energy resource, providing independence, predictability and security of energy supply.

Photovoltaics are functional as they offer scalability of their power and the possibility of storing the energy produced (in the grid or in accumulators), thus negating the disadvantage of discontinuous energy production. By giving the consumer total control, and direct access to the data concerning the energy produced and consumed, they make the consumer more attentive to the way he consumes energy, thus contributing to the rational use and saving of energy.

Photovoltaics can be used as building materials, enabling innovative architectural designs, as they are available in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes and can provide flexibility and plasticity of form, and enable differential light transmission depending on the design needs. By replacing other building materials, they help to reduce the overall cost of a structure (particularly important in the case of solar facades on commercial buildings).