Photovoltaic (PV) power is the power derived by converting light into electricity with photovoltaic cells. These cells are specially constructed from semiconductor materials, and are treated to generate a flow of electricity when light falls on them.
2) How do solar cells work?
Solar cells are solid-state devices in which photons (or packets of light) collide with atoms. This process transforms the resulting energy into electrons. These electrons flow into wires connected to the cell, thus providing electrical current to appliances, lighting systems or other electrical loads; and all of the power comes directly from the sun.
3) What is a solar module?
Solar modules are series of connected solar cells together and enclosed in self-contained glass units to protect them from the environment. They are often referred to as solar panels as well.
4) What is a PV system?
A PV system consists of all the equipment, components and materials needed to generate solar energy, including solar panels (often called modules), a support structure, wiring, an inverter, a meter and other equipment as required by a specific application. Luminous can also customize systems to meet customer requirement.
5) Where can you use PV power?
A properly designed photovoltaic system can supply electricity for many applications, from small remote lighting needs to megawatts of power. An advantage of photovoltaic power is that it can do anything a traditional power generator can do, only without consuming pollution-causing fuel, or requiring noisy motors.
6) Is solar power difficult to use?
Although the production of solar panels incorporates a high-tech manufacturing process, it’s really very easy to use a photovoltaic system. Solar panels have no moving parts to wear out, they can be used alone or in combination with other energy sources, and they are silent, reliable and long lasting.
7) What happens on cloudy or overcast days, when the sun isn’t shining?
In remote, off-grid applications, a PV system is connected to a battery storage system as a backup power source. In grid-connected applications, the PV system works in parallel with the utility power grid. For example, when electricity demand exceeds the solar power output, the local utility makes up for the shortfall. Conversely, when the PV system generates more energy than the requirement, the excess power is exported to the utility grid; you actually put your electricity meter in reverse.
8) How long does a PV module last?
Solar PV modules are designed to last 20-year power with proper maintenance and have generally a considerably longer life expectancy.
9) What kind of maintenance does a PV system require?
A fixed PV solar power system is solid state and has no moving parts. It requires very little maintenance, making it the single most reliable form of commercial electricity generation. In areas where it does not rain for many months at a time, solar panels can accumulate dust and dirt. Washing systems a few times a year during the summer months is recommended in such climates
10) How many PV solar panels do I need?
The size of the PV system that’s right for you depends on your power loads and their duty cycles. In the real world, the majority of grid-connected systems help to create an energy efficient home or business. With a properly designed PV system, you can realize substantial savings by dramatically cutting your annual electricity usage. Your location and energy use dictate both the size of your solar power system, and its ultimate value. Luminous could be consulted for optimal number of Panels that can be installed.
