Learning The Terminology Of PV Solar Panels

When it comes to technology, understanding the system often requires learning new terminology. This is the case with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. This technology, can be understood at a very basic level. By learning some basic terms, the system can be better understood and discussed.

The photovoltaic effect is what happens when the sun strikes the junction of two different materials that then generates an electrical charge. In a PV cell the two materials are the P-type of silicon (boron-doped) and the N-type of silicon (phosphorus-doped). The electrical charge is would be delivered to your house in the form of an alternating current.

By combining PV cells into modules, panels, and arrays, the amount of electricity generated is increased. Individual cells are electrically connected in parallel or series circuits. Doing this and sealing the cells in a protective laminate produces what is called a module. To make a single panel, several modules are put together, wired, and made ready to install. The grid-like display of several panels produces what is known as an array.

The PV section performance is rated using the maximum direct current (DC) power output, expressed in watts, and according to Standard Test Conditions (STC). However the STC is rarely achieved in the field. A more realistic performance is 85 to 90% of the STC rating.

The only difference between a PV or common generating system is the equipment. All else follows the basic electrical codes and standards with it comes to operation and interfacing with other electrical systems. There is a source of energy that gets converted into DC. This power has to be inverted and conditioned into AC (alternating current). The energy then is distributed to the demand site.

The demand site can be several things. It could be a television set, the electrical grid, or battery storage. Batteries are used to provide energy in less than optimal weather conditions, or to even out the electrical loads to provide stable voltages. To understand more about PV solar panels, search the term online.