Photovoltaic Module

CHAPTER 3
PHOTOVOLTAIC MODULE
3.1. Introduction Of Photovoltaic

Photovoltaics is the process of converting sunlight directly into electricity
using solar cells. They use thin layers of semi-conducting material that is charged
differently between the top and bottom layers. When exposed to daylight, electrons in
the semi-conducting material absorb the photons, causing them to become highly
energised. The semi-conducting material can be encased between a sheet of glass
and/or a polymer resin. Photovoltaics offer consumers the ability to generate
electricity in a clean, quiet and reliable way. Photovoltaic systems are comprised of
photovoltaic cells, devices that convert light energy directly into electricity. Because
the source of light is usually the sun, they are often called solar cells. The word
photovoltaic comes from "photo," meaning light, and "voltaic," which refers to
producing electricity. Therefore, the photovoltaic process is "producing electricity
directly from sunlight." Photovoltaics are often referred to as PV.
3.2. Photovoltaic Cell

A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is an electronic device that converts the
energy of light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect which is a physical
phenomenon. It is a form of photoelectric cell defined as a device whose electrical
characteristics such as current, voltage, or resistance, vary when exposed to light.
Individual solar cell devices are often the electrical building blocks of photovoltaic
modules known colloquially as solar panels. The common single-junction silicon
solar cell can produce a maximum open-circuit voltage of approximately 0.5 to 0.6
volts.
Solar cells are described as photovoltaic, regardless of whether the source is
sunlight or artificial light. In addition to producing energy, they can be used as a
photodetector (for example infrared detectors), detecting light or other
electromagnetic radiation near the visible range, or measuring light intensity.
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3.3. Photovoltaic Module

Photovoltaic modules commonly known as solar panels are a web that
captures solar power to transform it into sustainable energy. A semiconductor material
usually silicon is the basis of each individual solar cell. It is light sensitive and
generates electricity when struck by the rays of the sun thanks to a physical
phenomenon called the photovoltaic effect. Photovoltaic modules are made up of
many individuals interconnected photovoltaic cells. To ensure the modules are tilted
correctly and facing the sun, they are housed in support structures. Every module has
two output terminals that collect the generated current and transfer it to the
management systems at a solar power station. A photovoltaic module’s efficiency is
quantified as the ratio between the electrical power going out of the terminals and the
power of the sun’s rays striking the module’s surface. The standard value used to
indicate solar radiation is 1,000 watt/sqm. If every square meter is struck by 1,000
watts of sunlight, the percentage of energy actually converted into usable electricity is
what constitutes the efficiency. The average life of a photovoltaic module is around 30
years.
3.4. Solar Panels

There are two types of solar panel. They are monofacial solar panel and
bifacial solar panel.
3.4.1. Monofacial Solar Panels

Monofacial solar panels are the traditional form of solar panels with solar cells
on one side. They absorb the sun’s energy from one photovoltaic side and convert it
into electrical energy for charging electronic appliances.
3.4.2. Bifacial Solar Panels

Solar PV panels are made up of one of two different types of crystalline
cells; monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells. The majority of bifacial solar panels
are made from monocrystalline cells. As monocrystalline cells are more
efficient, despite being more expensive. Solar cells in bifacial solar panels are exactly
the same as in monofacial solar panels. The only real difference is how the panel is
made. Whereas traditional monofacial solar panels have an opaque backsheet, Bifacial
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solar panels are a type of photovoltaic module that can generate electricity from both
sides of the panel, capturing sunlight on the front and reflected light from the rear.
As a result, bifacial solar panels have a higher efficiency, as they are capable
of capturing sunlight on both sides. Since they’re made to be completely transparent,
they are usually frameless without metal gridlines. This makes them stronger in
structural integrity and easier on the eye. Front-Side Absorption like traditional solar
panels, the front side of bifacial panels is covered with photovoltaic cells, typically
made of silicon. When sunlight hits the front surface, these cells convert the energy in
the form of photons into electricity through the photovoltaic effect. Bifacial solar
panels perform best when installed near highly reflective surfaces. Although the front
of the panel still absorbs the majority of the sunlight, some bifacial models are
capable of increasing energy production by up to 30%. The exact amount of extra
energy will depend on the environment surrounding the solar panels themselves.
3.5. Photovoltaic Array

Utility power modules are usually about 0.5 square meter, or larger, in area.
The most common size is approximately 12 inches by 48 inches but some suppliers
are exploring larger sizes in order to optimize shipping, installation, wiring and
materials. Modules can be characterized as flat plate or concentrator systems. The
advantages of flat plate collectors are that they are simpler to design than concentrator
systems. They can use all the sunlight, both direct and indirect. There is complete
flexibility in tracking systems which may be fixed, one-axis, two-axis. The
disadvantage is that a large number of PV cells are needed to cover a large area to
produce comparable to that of a concentrator PV system. The disadvantages of solar
concentrator systems are their need for direct sunlight.

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CHAPTER 3

3.1. Introduction Of Photovoltaic

3.2. Photovoltaic Cell

3.3. Photovoltaic Module

3.4. Solar Panels

3.4.1. Monofacial Solar Panels

3.4.2. Bifacial Solar Panels

3.5. Photovoltaic Array

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