photovoltaic pv

8/13/2019 Photovoltaic Pv

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Solar Wonders, 2007 Florida Solar Energy Center

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Photovoltaics

Using the sunto generateelectricity


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An increasingly popular use of solar energyinvolves solar electric systems, called

photovoltaics.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert

sunlight directly into electricity, andare potentially one of the mostuseful of the renewable energy

technologies.


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On a planet where more than two billion people haveno access to electricity, PV systems can provide

power for many uses.


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The heart of a photovoltaic system is a solid-statedevice called a solar cell.


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Groups of solar cells can be packaged intomodules, panels and arrays to provide useful

output voltages and currents to provide a

specific power output.


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Photovoltaic power is ideal for remote applicationswhere other power sources are impractical or

unavailable, such as in the Swiss Alps.


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This mountain hut in a very remote areaof France uses PV to generate power.



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Here is a lighthouse along the coast of Eritrea inAfrica. Before this PV system was installed, theLighthouse relied on bottled gas for power a system

that required constant maintenance and a permanentstaff on site.



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Here is a stand-alone PV system in Oix, La Garrotxa in ruralSpain. This system consists of a 900-watt PV array withinverter and batteries. More than 60 rural homes in thismountainous area have been electrified with PV.



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PV power for off-shore navigational aidseliminates trips to and from shore to refill

generators with fossil fuels.



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Solar-powered water pumps are very efficient andcost-effective in agricultural applications like this

system in Kansas.



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Another farm application keeping animals wherethey belong, behind PV-electrified fence chargers.



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PV-poweredstreetlights like thesein a rural town in

Central America helpcontribute to thesafety, security andgeneral standard ofliving in remote areas

all over the world.



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The lamp in this PV-powered insect-trap comes on

automatically aftersunset. Itattracts insectswhich collide with

the metal grid anddrop into thereceiver below.



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PV applicationsinclude lighting forremote signs like

this outdoor boardalong a U.S.highway.



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Off-shore navigationalaids, which requirelittle maintenance, can

withstand harshstorms, and cut downon the cost andpollution of batteryreplacement and

disposal by using PVfor power.



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Highway directional signs can use PV systems tosave the expense of excavation to extend electriclights to the sign as well as the cost of maintaining

the electric line.



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PV is an excellentsource of power forbattery chargers forboats, vehicles, and

equipment. The solar-powered chargerassures that thebattery is chargedand ready for use,even if the boat orvehicle has sat for along time and thebattery hasdischarged.



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Campers can use PV in remote areas toprovide power for lighting, appliances

and other uses.



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It is estimated that more than 15,000 homes in remote partsof the U.S. rely on PV systems to meet their energy needs.

In many cases, it is more cost-effective to install a PVsystem than pay the costs of having the utility company

extend the power lines to the home.



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Many utility companies in the U.S. are turning tolarge PV systems to help meet peak power demandand reduce the need for building new power plants.



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Around the world, there are many dramatic examples of PVsystems. They include this PV-wind-diesel hybrid system in

Mexico that provides village-wide power for 43 homes, threeschools, two stores, a church and an auditorium.



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In 1987, the Swiss government started aprogram to mount PV arrays on a sound

barrier along a main motorway.


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This billboard in Mexico promotes a projectthat uses solar power to electrify

streetlights.


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This photovoltaic system in the Philippines not onlyprovides electricity to the home, but also creates a

shelter for this motorcycle.


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PV modules are used in this remote area in Africa north ofNairobi at the Kenya Gliding Club to charge batteries in VHFradios in gliders, to maintain the starter battery in the tow

vehicle which moves the gliders around the airstrip, and topower other instruments.


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Maybe no uses areas dramatic andimportant as the

portable PV panelsand smallrefrigeratorscarried aroundAfrica on thebacks of camels.


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Refrigerators likethis, carried on thebacks of camels and

powered by PV panels,allow vaccines to bekept in good conditionand transported toremote villages where

medicines are needed.


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This is theentrance sign at aWisconsin state

park. The PVsystem powerslights that operatefrom dusk to dawn.


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This restroom PVlighting system ata state park has

exterior amberLED lights, interiorwhite LED lights,and a fluorescentlight in astoreroom.


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A PV-powered

police car inZermatt,Switzerland. Onlyelectric, solar-powered, or horse-drawn vehicles areallowed in this

quaint town in theAlps.


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A photovoltaic kitis used to rechargeportable lamps in

the Ivory Coast inAfrica.


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This solar panel powers a light in a busshelter in Australia, providing security and

convenience at night.


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In many parts of the world, getting water is asimportant as getting energy. This experimentalsystem in Israel uses PV and wind energy in a

desalination project.


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Discussion Questions

Are PV systems as efficient oreconomic as fossil-fueled systems?

Is PV a viable alternative for all ofour power needs? For homes? Forvehicles? For other needs?

Is PV the answer to all of the worlds

power needs?

photovoltaic pv

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