BASICS OF SOLAR ENERGY

By Engineer Ahmed Mahdy

 EBOOK CONTENT

• Comparison between renewable and non renewable

sources of energy.
• Comparison between their pros and cons.
• Difference between solar cell, module, string and array.
• Effect of insolation and temperature on v-i curve.
• Advantages and disadvantages of PV systems.
• PV system construction.
• PV cell construction and principle of operation.
• Effect of PV cells connection in series or parallel or
combination.
• Types of photovoltaic cells.
• Construction of grid-tied system, its equipment's’ and
advantages.
• Construction of off grid system, its equipment's’ and
advantages.
• Construction of hybrid system, its equipment's’ and
advantages.
• Construction and types of batteries.
• Solar panels construction, solar cables and wires.
 RENEWABLE ENERGY

• Renewable energy is the energy which is generated

from natural sources i.e. sun, wind, rain, tides.
• They can be generated again and again as and when
required.
• They are the cleanest sources of energy available on
this planet.
• For e.g.: energy that we receive from the sun can be
used to generate electricity.
• Similarly, energy from wind, geothermal, biomass from
plants, tides can be used to fulfill our daily energy
demands.
 NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY

• Non-Renewable energy is the energy which is taken

from the sources that are available on the earth in
limited quantity.
• They will vanish fifty-sixty years from now.
• Non-renewable sources are not environmental friendly
and can have serious effect on our health.
• They are called non-renewable because they cannot
be re-generated within a short span of time.
• Non-renewable sources exist in the form of fossil fuels,
natural gas, oil and coal.
 PROS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

• The sun, wind, geothermal, ocean energy are available in the

abundant quantity and free to use.
• The non-renewable sources of energy that we are using are
limited and will expire one day.
• Renewable sources are green and environment friendly.
• Renewable helps in creating job opportunities, the money
that is used to build these plants can provide jobs to
thousands to millions of people.
• You don’t have to rely on any third country for the supply of
renewable sources as in case of non-renewable sources.
• Renewable sources can cost less than consuming the local
electrical supply.
• In the long run, renewable sources can cut your electricity
bills.
 CONS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

• Initial costs are quite high.

• Solar energy can be used during the day time and not
during night or rainy season.
• Geothermal energy can bring toxic chemicals beneath the
earth surface onto the top and can create environmental
changes.
• Hydroelectric building dams across the river which is quite
expensive can affect wildlife.
• To use wind energy, you have to rely on strong winds
therefore you have to choose suitable site to operate them.
• Wind turbines can affect bird population as they are quite
high.
 PROS OF NON-RENEWABLE
ENERGY

• Non-renewable sources are cheap and easy to use.

• You can easily fill up your car tank and power your motor
vehicle.
• You can use small amount of nuclear energy to produce large
amount of power.
• Non-renewable have little or no competition at all.
• They are considered as cheap when converting from one
type of energy to another.
 CONS OF NON RENEWABLE
ENERGY

• Non-renewable sources will expire some day and we have to

us our endangered resources to create more non-renewable
sources of energy.
• The speed at which such resources are being utilized can have
serious environmental changes.
• Non-renewable sources release toxic gases in the air when
burnt which are the major cause for global warming.
• Since these sources are going to expire soon
 SOLAR CELLS , MODULES
AND ARRAYS

• A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, is an electrical device that

converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the
photovoltaic effect.

• A photovoltaic module is a packaged, connect assembly of

typically 6x10 photovoltaic solar cells.

• Modules are wired in series and parallel into what is called a

PV Array.
 SOLAR CELL, ARRAY AND
STRING

Solar cell is the smallest unit which converts the solar energy into
electrical energy.
Group of cells form module.
Group of modules in series form a string.
Group of modules in parallel form an array.

0.5 To 0.9
volt
 EFFECT OF INSOLATION AND
TEMPERATURE ON V-I CURVE
Solar irradiance (SI) is the power per unit area received from
the Sun in the form of electromagnetic radiation .
As temperature increases, the voltage decreases and current nearly
remains constant.
As insolation increases, the voltage increases with small value but
current increases rapidly so power generated increases.
 ADVANTAGES OF PV
SYSTEMS
• It provides green energy.
• Free and available energy.
• Can be used locally which reduces losses.
• Operation and maintenance costs are low.
• PV is silent (No Noise).
• PV has no mechanical parts.
• Easy to install.
• Used in spacecraft applications.

DISADVANTAGES OF PV
SYSTEMS

• No power at night or during cloudy or rainy weather.

• It requires additional equipment as inverters and batteries.
• Low efficiency 15 to 18%.
• Needs continuous cleaning.
• For high power, PV requires large area which is difficult
inside cities.
 PV SYSTEM CONSTRUCTION

• A simple pv system as shown is consisting of :

1. Solar panels which converts sunlight to DC electricity.
2. Battery banks are charged by the charge controller which
is supplied from solar panels.
3. Inverter converts DC power to AC power to be used for
utilization at home.
 CONSTRUCTION OF PV
CELLS

• N-Type silicon has excess amount of electrons but P-type has

excess amount of holes
• When light falls on N-Type, the electrons gain amount of
energy enough to move from N-type to P-Type.
• Electrons go from N-Type to P-Type to fill the holes which
causes flow of current.
 PV CELLS IN SERIES

• Connection of PV cells in series is similar to connection dc

voltage supplies in series, which increases the total voltage
but having the same current.
• Same case here for PV cells, connection in series increases
the total voltage required according to design.
 PV CELLS IN PARALLEL

• Connection of PV cells in parallel is similar to connection dc

voltage supplies in parallel, which increases the total current
but having the same voltage.
• Same case here for PV cells, connection in parallel increases
the total current required according to design.
 EFFECT OF SERIES AND
PARALLEL ON V-I CURVE

• Combination of parallel and series cells or modules or strings

will give us the required voltage and current in design.
 TYPES OF SOLAR
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS

• Solar panels convert energy from the sun into the

electricity we use in our homes, to power the lights on
our streets, and the machinery in our industries.
• Types of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells are as following:

• Monocrystalline silicon solar panels

• Polycrystalline (or multi-crystalline) solar panels
• Amorphous/thin film solar panels
• Hybrid silicon solar panels
 MONOCRYSTALLINE
SILICON SOLAR PANELS

• One of the most effective of the solar PV cells with 15%

efficiency*
• Monocrystalline silicon is one of the expensive options.
• They require less space than other cells simply because they
produce more energy and can yield up to four times more
power than thin-film solar panels.
• They also last longer than other panels and perform better at
low light.
• The main disadvantage is the cost which often means that it’s
not the first choice for home owners.
• It can also be effected by dirt or shade, which can break the
circuit.

POLYCRYSTALLINE (OR MULTI-

CRYSTALLINE) SOLAR PANELS

• With an efficiency of 13%, polycrystalline solar panels are

often seen as a better economic choice, particularly for
home owners.
• They are made from a number of smaller silicon crystals that
are melted together and then recrystallized
• The main disadvantage for polycrystalline solar panels is that
you need more of them because of the lower energy
conversion efficiency.
 AMORPHOUS/THIN FILM
SOLAR PANELS

• At 7%, thin film solar panels are among the least efficient on
the market but they are the cheapest option.
• They work well in low light, even moonlight, and are made
from non-crystalline silicone.
• The main advantage is that it can be mass produced at a
much cheaper cost but is more suitable for situations where
space is not a big issue.
• The main disadvantage for thin film solar panels are not
generally used for residential purposes and will degrade
quicker than crystalline cells.

HYBRID SILICON SOLAR

PANELS

• With an efficiency of 18%, hybrid solar panels are made

from a mix of amorphous and monocrystalline cells to
generate maximum efficiency.
• There are a variety of types of hybrid cells and they are
still very much at the research and development stage
which is why they are currently a more expensive option.
 SUMMARY

• Monocrystalline silicon
• Typical efficiency 15%. One of the most effective PV
cells currently available on the market
• Polycrystalline (or multicrystalline) silicon
• Typical efficiency 13%. Although cheaper to produce
and slightly less efficient than monocrystalline cells.
• Amorphous/thin film silicon
• Typical efficiency 7%. One of the least efficient cell
types on the market, and consequently the cheapest.
• Hybrid silicon
• Typical efficiency 18%. The most expensive PV cell type
available on the market, but also the most efficient.
 GRID-TIED SOLAR SYSTEMS
• Grid-tied or on-grid are all terms used to describe the same
concept – a solar system that is connected to the utility
power grid.
• This type of system supplies power to grid and take power
required for the load from the grid and PV cells, the
difference is defined by the meter which identifies whether
you are going to pay or take money from the government.

Advantages of Grid-Tied Systems

• Save more money with net metering through better
efficiency rates, net metering, plus lower equipment and
installation costs
• Batteries, and other stand-alone equipment, are required for
a fully functional off-grid solar system and add to costs as well
as maintenance. Grid-tied solar systems are therefore
generally cheaper and simpler to install.
• With net metering, homeowners can put this excess electricity
onto the utility grid instead of storing it themselves with
batteries.
• Many utility companies are committed to buying electricity
from homeowners at the same rate as they sell it themselves.
• The utility grid is a virtual battery, more electricity (and more
money) goes to waste with conventional battery systems.
 EQUIPMENT FOR GRID-TIED SOLAR
SYSTEMS

1-Grid-Tie Inverter (GTI)

They regulate the voltage and current received from your
solar panels.
Direct current (DC) from your solar panels is converted into
alternating current (AC), which is the type of current that is
utilized by the majority of electrical appliances.
In addition to this, grid-tie inverters synchronize the phase
and frequency of the current to fit the utility grid (nominally
60Hz).
2-Micro-Inverters
Micro-inverters go on the back of each solar panel.
This is opposed to one central inverter that typically takes
on the entire solar array.
• Micro-inverters are certainly more expensive, but in many
cases yield higher efficiency rates.
3-Power Meter
• Most homeowners will need to replace their current
power meter with one that is compatible with net
metering.
• This device, often called a net meter or a two-way
meter, is capable of measuring power going in both
directions, from the grid to your house and vice versa.
 OFF-GRID SOLAR SYSTEMS
• An off-grid solar system (off-the-grid, standalone) is system
which depends only on solar panels and does not have any
connection with grid.
• Off-grid solar systems require battery storage and a backup
generator (if you live off-the-grid) to supply power when sun is
not available.
• On top of this, a battery bank typically needs to be replaced
after 10 years. Batteries are complicated, expensive and
decrease overall system efficiency.

ADVANTAGES OF OFF-GRID
SOLAR SYSTEMS
1. No access to the utility grid
Off-grid solar systems can be cheaper than extending power
lines in certain remote areas.
2. Become energy self-sufficient
• Living off the grid and being self-sufficient feels good.
• Power failures on the utility grid do not affect off-grid solar
systems.
• On the flip side, batteries can only store a certain amount of
energy and expensive.
 EQUIPMENT FOR OFF-GRID
SOLAR SYSTEMS
1- Solar Charge Controller
• Charge regulators or battery regulators limit the rate of
current being delivered to the battery bank and protect the
batteries from overcharging.
• Good charge controllers are crucial for keeping the batteries
healthy and increase their lifetime.
2- Battery Bank
• A battery bank is essentially a group of batteries wired
together to store electrical energy before sunset.
3- DC Disconnect Switch
• AC and DC safety disconnects are required for all solar
systems.
• This is important for maintenance, troubleshooting and
protection against electrical fires.
4-Off-Grid Inverter
• Used to convert DC to AC for all other electrical appliances.
• Off-grid inverters do not need to match with grid as they are
not connected to it.
• Electrical current flows from the solar panels through the solar
charge controller and the bank battery bank before it is finally
converted into AC by the off-grid-inverter.
5-Backup Generator
• It takes a lot of money and big batteries to prepare for
several consecutive days without the sun shining (or access to
the grid), in this case we will need a backup generator.
• In most cases, installing a backup generator that runs on
diesel is a better choice than investing in an oversized battery
bank that seldom gets to operate at it`s full potential.
• Backup generators typically output AC, which can be sent
through the inverter for direct use, or it can be converted into
DC for battery storage.
 HYBRID SOLAR SYSTEMS

• Hybrid solar systems combines the best from grid-tied and off-
grid solar systems. These systems can either be described as
off-grid solar with utility backup power, or grid-tied solar with
extra battery storage, this battery storage helps to prevent
taking power from grid during peak hours and saving money.

ADVANTAGES OF HYBRID SOLAR

SYSTEMS
1. Less expensive than off-gird solar systems
• Hybrid solar systems are less expensive than off-grid solar
systems.
• You don`t really need a backup generator, and the
capacity of your battery bank can be downsized.
2. Solar panels happen to output the most electrical power at
noon – not long before the price of electricity peaks. Your
home and electrical vehicle can be programmed to consume
power during off-peak hours (or from your solar panels).
• You can temporarily store whatever excess electricity your
solar panels in batteries, and put it on the utility grid when you
are paid the most for every kWh.
 EQUIPMENT FOR HYBRID
SOLAR SYSTEMS

• Charge Controller
• Battery Bank
• DC Disconnect (additional)
• Battery-Based Grid-Tie Inverter
• Power Meter

Battery-Based Grid-Tie Inverter

• Hybrid solar systems utilize battery-based grid-tie
inverters.
• These devices combine can draw electrical power to
and from battery banks, as well as synchronize with the
utility grid.
 PASSIVE AND ACTIVE
SOLAR

• Both are capable of converting the sun’s energy to

electricity.
• But the setup and performance happen to be a little
different, although they perform the same function.

Active Solar System

• Capture energy from sun by pumping a

heat absorbing fluid (water or antifreeze)
through special collectors.
• We can also use PV panels to collect
energy to provide power for electrical
heater.
• Collectors may be located on the roof to
face the sun.
• Some heat directly used.
• Some heat stored in insulated container
with gravel, water, clay & used later.
• Used to heat water in many homes

Passive Solar System

• System absorbs and stores heat

from sun within well insulated
structure
• Walls & floors made of stone,
adobe, brick, or concrete.
• Water tanks used to store
collected solar energy as heat;
slowly released heat throughout
the day and night
• Supplement heat with natural gas
or propane heater.
 ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES

Advantages Disadvantages

Net energy is moderate Need access to sun 60% of

(active) to high (passive) time during daylight
Very low emissions of CO2 Sun can be blocked by
and other air pollutants trees and other structures

Very low land disturbance High installation and

maintenance costs for
active systems
Moderate cost (passive) Need backup system for
cloudy days
 SOLAR RADIATION

• The Earth receives 174 petawatts

(1015W) of solar radiation or
insolation at the upper atmosphere.
• Nearly 30% are reflected to space
while the rest is absorbed by clouds,
oceans and land.
• Spectrum of light is divided mostly
across the visible and near infrared
ranges and small part in near ultra
violet range.
• Most of world’s population live in
areas with insolation of 150-300
watts/m2 or 3.5-7 kwh/m2 per day.

PV PLANTS
Bhadla Solar Park – 2245MW – India

Noor Solar Park – 1117MW – Abu Dabhi

 PANEL COMPONENTS

MC4 used for connection of panels in

series and parallel.
 PANEL PARAMETERS AND
POWER

SOLAR ELECTRICITY
• Solar electricity systems are given a rating in kilowatts peak (kWp).
• This is essentially the rate at which it generates energy at peak
performance for example at noon on a sunny day.
• The kWp of a domestic system will vary depending on how much a
customer wants to spend and the roof area available to
accommodate the ...
• We can know the radiation of an area, required tilt angle of the PV
and temperature using the global solar atlas.
• http://globalsolaratlas.info/?c=1.757537,44.648438,3&s=-
0.527336,11.425781
 PV INSTALLATION AND
TEST

• Avoid touch between the +ve and

–ve of the panel to avoid damage
of panel.
• Reduce the distance between the
panels and the charge controller or
inverter to reduce the losses.
• Allow space between panels to
reduce wind effect.
• Avoid obstacles and shadow in
front of cells.
• Earthing should be done for the
enclosure and fixing components of
the PV panels.
• Use PV structure made of aluminum
resistible to rust

PV TEST

• Open Circuit Test • Short Circuit Test

 SOLAR WIRES AND
CABLES

• A conductor is a wire or
combination of wires.
• A wire is a conductive
material (conductor) that is
usually made
of copper or aluminum,
both of which have
very good conductivity.
• A cable is a group of two
ore more conductors that
are twisted or bonded
together, surrounded by
an insulating layer which
itself is within a cable jacket,
also called cable sheath.
• A cable may vary in its
external diameter
depending on the number
of conductors.

SOLAR CABLES
• These cables are suitable for permanent outdoor long-term use, under
variable and harsh climate conditions.
• They are designed and tested to operate at a normal maximum
conductor temperature of 90°C and for 20,000 hours up to 120°C.
Therefore, the expected period use is 30 to 40 years under normal
usage conditions.
• Halogens make cable jackets and insulation highly flame retardant
 STANDARD AND
COLOR CODES FOR
CABLES
 SOLAR SYSTEM
INSTALLATION TOOLS

Solar Cable Cutter: Used to cut part of

the wire which is going to be used in
the process or need in the job.

Solar Cable Stripper: Used to

remove the insulation layer
in order to add the contacts.

MC4 Solar Crimping Tool for 2.5-6.0 mm²

Solar Panel PV Cable
 SOLAR SYSTEM
INSTALLATION TOOLS

Close the jaw just to hold the pin in place Insert the wire into the contact.
and remember without compressing the
contacts.

Now make your crimp Connect the contact to MC4 and Rotate wheel until
crimp locked
SUMMARY
CONNECTION
 If you are interested in complete course:
Contact me at
[email protected]
For special discount.
“Khadija Academy”
https://www.khadijaacademy.com/

YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwJ4
Dv-AqT8Ei-k_0PLv8ZQ
 ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ahmed Mahdy is an electrical power engineer,

Instructor at Udemy, Skillshare, Stackcommerce
and Stacksocial with 13 courses and 7 Bestsellers.
He has a YouTube educational engineering
channel called “Khadija Academy”, he regularly
posts videos related to electrical engineering.
He also created Khadija Academy website in 2019,
His Mission is "Learn the Fundamentals of Electrical
Engineering Branches from absolute Beginner to
Advanced level."