Archive for April, 2009
Photovoltaic
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
Photovoltaic Systems
All photovoltaic Solar cells work by converting sunlight directly into electrical energy through a fairly complex process. However photovoltaic systems differ from one another, with varying characteristics depending on their applications. Furthermore, a photovoltaic system may be of the concentrated Solar Thermal type (CST) or a concentrated photo voltaic (CPV) array.
Ancient Technology
Of the two types of solar technology, CST is the older – by several hundred years, in fact. About 2,000 years ago experiments with mirrors and the magnification of sunlight using glass were taking place in Han China as well as Classical Greece. Using concentrated sunlight to boil water to run machinery has been done since the late 1800s. But it wasn’t until almost 1970 that parabolic mirrors and focusing lenses were assembled into arrays that would enable the use of Solar Heat for boiling the large amounts of water needed for running turbines.
Unfortunately, these CST plants aren’t particularly efficient because some heat energy is invariably lost in the process. The next generation of solar cell technology, photovoltaic solar cells, are another matter, however.
Going Direct
A photovoltaic cell is a device that directly converts sunlight into electrical energy using semiconductors (generally this is silicon mixed with other elements, but other configurations are being studied). Although a CST array allows for greater control over temperature, a CPV array is more efficient at generating electricity.
The Problems – And Solutions
Currently, it is not practical to build an entire power plant that runs off of photovoltaic solar cells; the cost would be prohibitive (around $1 billion dollars). In addition, the best locations for such facilities are far removed from the grid and would require massive construction projects. The bottom line for consumers is that electricity would cost as much as .18c a kilowatt hour – well over twice the national average.
The technology behind the photovoltaic solar cell is constantly advancing, however, and they are steadily becoming lighter and more portable. In addition, the cost to build CPV arrays is falling, as is the case with most technology, meaning that they are affordable for individuals and small organizations.
This means that in the future, a photovoltaic system is likely to be a small setup that powers an individual home or building – something that is going to be practical and cost-effective within a few years.
About the Author
Wayne Hemrick writes about–photovoltaic systems
Introduction to Solar Photovoltaics
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Solio Mono by Solio $59.95 115167 Features: The solar cell is both durable and powerful for quick charging Integrated, rechargeable and replaceable lithium-ion battery can be charged with the sun or plug it in to a USB outlet Stores power up to one year Works with most mobile phones, MP3 players, PDA’s and GPS’s right out of the box (additional adapters are available) Specifications: Size: 47 x 13 x 85 inches Internal batt… |
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Solar photovoltaic panels on roof Photo Mugs MAB-1005 Solar photovoltaic panels on roof Centre for Alternative Technology Machynlleth Wales UK Mark Boulton Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details prints ardea tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067 …. |
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Solar cell Photo Mugs Solar cell. Close-up of the surface of a solar(photovoltaic) cell, which converts light intoelectrical energy. The cell is made from silicon(blue), a semi-conductor. Because the silicon is asemi-conductor, the energy of photons of light isenough to release electrons from the silicon. Theelectrons are collected through a grid of wires(yellow), forming an electrical current. This cellcontains numero… |
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Tripp Lite PV375 PV 375W 12V DC to AC Portable Inverter with DC Auto Power Outlet $41.95 Harness your vehicle’s battery to efficiently power your office or entertainment equipment while you’re on the road. The Tripp Lite PV375 supplies up to 375 watts of continuous 120V AC power to two AC outlets from any 12V battery or automotive DC source. The unit offers a convenient cigarette-lighter DC input jack with three-foot cable. Portable and compact, the inverter’s design is among the mos… |
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Tripp Lite PV150 PV 150W 12V DC to AC Portable Inverter with DC Auto Power Outlet $22.91 300 watts peak150 watts continuous power Low-battery alarm with auto-shut-off prevents deep battery dischargeLightweight design with all-metal housingClean quiet operation1 AC outlets 3 3/4″W x 1 3/4″H x 5 3/4″DPV-375: 4 1/4″W x 2″H x 7″DPV-600 6 1/4W x 4″H x 10 1/4″DIncludes DC cigarette lighter plug… |
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Tripp Lite PV3000HF PV 3000W 12V DC to AC Permanent Mount Inverter $663.00 Harness your vehicle”s battery to efficiently power office equipment on the road or power tools at a work site. Continuously supplies up to 3000 watts of 120V AC power to 4 AC outlets from any 12V battery or automotive DC source. Includes a PV remote and 25 feet of cable. Super-compact, lightweight metal case design is among the smallest, most rugged inverters available at this power level…. |
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A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid PV Solar Power Systems $46.49 This DVD set is a 4 hour, 16 chapter comprehensive course on the installation of Off-Grid photovoltaic solar power electric systems. It is designed to take the complete beginner to full competency. The course is taught by Bob Nagy who is the teacher in over 40 videos on high-tech subjects. Bob’s bio includes 20 years at the University of Texas, ABC TV, and NASA. His clear and friendly style bri… |
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Show Me Science Energy: Transforming Renewable Resources – Photovoltaics $30.13 Learning to incorporate a variety of eco-friendly energy sources into our businesses and homes will make Earth a better place to live. This program explores photovoltaics, the design behind wind turbine technology and the creative processes behind vehicles in the American Solar Car Race. Zero energy houses of the future will use many of these technologies to produce more energy than they consume…. |
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HQRP Pair 25ft / 7.62m 1x4mm² Photovoltaic Solar Array Cables with MC4 Connectors + HQRP Coaster $32.91 This HQRP cable specifically designed for connecting photovoltaic system components inside and outside of building and equipment with high mechanical requirements and extreme weather conditions .For permanent installations. Cable made of electron-beam cross-linked insulation and coating; high resistance against heat , cold, oil, abrasion, ozone, UV and weather; with improved reaction in case of fi… |
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Universal Ultimate Laptop & Electronic Solar Charger $109.99 Never get caught without power for your cell phone, laptop or any other device, even your car battery ! Our award winning Solar Charger is the only one in it’s class. No one compares we guarantee it. Product Characteristics: |
