Solar Energy Utilization

By
Dr. Khuram Pervez
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department
Mirpur University of Science and Technology

Equipment in solar energy system

Equipment in solar energy system

Equipment in solar energy system

What is a solar cell?

Solid state device that converts incident solar
energy directly into electrical energy
Efficiencies from several percent up to 2030%.
No moving parts
No noise
Lifetimes of 30-40 years or more

PV Cells
Photovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into
electricity. A photovoltaic cell, commonly called a solar cell
or PV, is the technology used to convert solar energy
directly into electrical power. A photovoltaic cell is a non
mechanical device usually made from silicon alloys.
Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar
energy. These photons contain various amounts of energy
corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar
spectrum.
When photons strike a photovoltaic cell, they may be
reflected, pass right through, or be absorbed.

PV Cells

PV Cells

PV Cells

PV Cells

PV Cells

PV Cells

PV Cells

PV Cells

PV Cells

 Only the absorbed photons provide energy to generate electricity. When

enough sunlight (energy) is absorbed by the material (a semiconductor),
electrons are dislodged from the material's atoms. Special treatment of
the material surface during manufacturing makes the front surface of the
cell more receptive to free electrons, so the electrons naturally migrate to
the surface.
When the electrons leave their position, holes are formed. When many
electrons, each carrying a negative charge, travel toward the front surface
of the cell, the resulting imbalance of charge between the cell's front and
back surfaces creates a voltage potential like the negative and positive
terminals of a battery. When the two surfaces are connected through an
external load, electricity flows.

How Solar Cells Work

1. Photons in sunlight hit the
solar panel and are absorbed
by semiconducting materials,
such as silicon.
2. Electrons (negatively charged)
are knocked loose from their
atoms, allowing them to flow
through the material to
produce electricity.
3. An array of solar cells
converts solar energy into a
usable amount of
direct current (DC) electricity.

 The photovoltaic cell is the basic building block of a

photovoltaic system. Individual cells can vary in size from
about 1 centimeter (1/2 inch) to about 10 centimeter (4 inches)
across. However, one cell only produces 1 or 2 watts, which
isn't enough power for most applications.
To increase power output, cells are electrically connected into a
packaged weather-tight module. Modules can be further
connected to form an array. The term array refers to the entire
generating plant, whether it is made up of one or several
thousand modules. The number of modules connected together
in an array depends on the amount of power output needed.

 Photovoltaic Systems consist of several electronic

components which work together to collect solar radiation
and convert it into electricity.
Collectors Energy Storage System
Inverter Distribution Center

Available Cell Technologies

Single-crystal or Mono-crystalline Silicon
Polycrystalline or Multi-crystalline Silicon
Thin film
Ex. Amorphous silicon or Cadmium Telluride

Monocrystalline Silicon Modules

Most efficient
commercially
available module (11%
- 14%)
Most expensive to
produce
Circular (squareround) cell creates
wasted space on
module

Polycrystalline Silicon Modules

Less expensive to make
than single crystalline
modules
Cells slightly less efficient
than a single crystalline
(10% - 12%)
Square shape cells fit into
module efficiently using
the entire space

Amorphous Thin Film

Most inexpensive technology

to produce
Metal grid replaced with
transparent oxides
Efficiency = 6 8 %
Can be deposited on flexible
substrates
Less susceptible to shading
problems
Better performance in low
light conditions that with
crystalline modules