Photovoltaic systems

The principle of operation of a Photovoltaic system is based on photovoltaic effect.

The photovoltaic effect concerns the conversion of solar energy into electrical energy, in which two materials with specific characteristics (semiconductors with impurities of different ion polarity) when they come into contact and then are exposed to solar radiation, produce an electric current. These contacts form the photovoltaics elements, which are connected in frames, panels and arrays. Sunlight – solar energy is essentially small packets of energy called photons. Photons of sunlight contain different amounts of energy depending on the wavelength of the solar energy spectrum. The blue color or the ultraviolet e.g. they have more energy than red or infrared. So when photons hit a photovoltaic cell which is essentially a semiconductor, some are reflected, some pass through it and some are absorbed by the photovoltaic cell or cells. It is these latter photons that produce electricity (energy). These photons cause the electrons of the photovoltaic cell or cells to move to another position. The basic theory of electricity is the movement of electrons from positive to negative. This simple principle of physics is therefore based on one of the most advanced electricity generation technologies nowadays.

The main characteristics of PV systems, which differentiate them from other forms of RES, are:

– Direct production of electricity, even on a very small scale, e.g. at the level of a few tens of W or even mW.

– They can be installed in cities, integrated into buildings and do not aesthetically offend the environment.

– They can be combined with other energy sources (hybrid systems).

– They are systems that can be expanded at a later stage to address the increased needs of users, without changing the original system.

– They work quietly, emit zero pollutants, without impact on the environment.

– Maintenance requirements are almost zero.

– They have a long service life and reliability during operation. The guarantees given by the manufacturers for PV generators are more than 25 years of good operation.

– The energy independence of the user is the biggest advantage of PV systems. The cost of electricity produced by PV systems is currently comparable to the cost of peak power, which the electricity company charges its customers.

- Photovoltaic systems can significantly contribute to the so-called "Distributed Power Generation", which is the new model for the development of modern energy systems for the production, transmission and distribution of electricity. Diversification in energy production, offered by PV systems, combined with a large degree of independence from oil and the avoidance of further environmental pollution, can create conditions for economic development in a new energy landscape that is currently taking shape in developed countries.

Why turn to solar energy and PV installation?

To meet at least two needs. The need for energy and the need to protect the environment. Every kilowatt-hour of electricity supplied by the PPC network and produced from fossil fuels burdens the atmosphere with at least one kilogram of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is known to be the most important greenhouse gas contributing to dangerous climate change. The shift to clean energy sources, such as solar, is the only way to prevent the climate changes that threaten the planet today. In addition, the use of solar energy implies less emissions of other dangerous pollutants (such as carcinogenic microparticles, nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, etc.). These pollutants cause serious damage to health and the environment.

Photovoltaics entail significant benefits for the environment and society. Benefits for the consumer, for energy markets and for sustainable development.

Solar energy is a clean, inexhaustible, mild and renewable energy source. Solar radiation is not controlled by anyone and is an inexhaustible domestic energy resource, providing independence, predictability and security of energy supply.

Photovoltaics are functional as they offer scalability of their power and the possibility of storing the energy produced (in the grid or in accumulators) thus negating the disadvantage of intermittent energy production. By giving the consumer complete control, and direct access to the data concerning the energy produced and consumed, they make him more careful in the way he consumes energy and thus contribute to the rational use and saving of energy.

Photovoltaics can be used as building materials, providing the possibility for innovative architectural designs, as they come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and can provide flexibility and plasticity to the form, while also allowing for differential light transmittance depending on the needs of the design. By replacing other building materials they help reduce the overall cost of a construction (especially important in the case of solar facades on commercial buildings).