Photovoltaic Technology

(Part 1)
Outline

Introduction PV Cells PV Modules

PV
PV Array
Configuration
Introduction

• What is photovoltaic (PV) technology?

• PV materials and devices convert sunlight
into electrical energy.
• A single PV device is known as a cell. An
individual PV cell is usually
small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts
of power.
Introduction
Classification of solar cells technologies
 Monocrystalline solar cells are made from single crystalline silicon
Advantages
• They have the highest level of efficiency at 15 20
• They require less space compared to other types due to their high
efficiency
• Manufacturers state that this form of solar cell lasts the longest, with

Monocrystalline most giving them a 25 year warranty

• They perform better in low levels of sunlight, making them ideal for
cells cloudy areas
Disadvantages
• They are the most expensive solar cells on the market.
• The performance levels tend to suffer from an increase in
temperature. However, it is a small loss when compared to other
forms of solar cell
• There is a lot of waste material when the silicon is cut during
manufacture
 Advantages
• The manufacturing process is cheaper and easier than the
monocrystalline cells
• It avoids silicon waste
• High temperatures have less negative effects on efficiency
Polycrystalline compared with monocrystalline cells This makes the
polycrystalline cells mor attractive to people in warmer
Solar Cells areas as the price is lower
Disadvantages
• Efficiency is only around 13-16% due to low levels of silicon
purity.
• They have lower output rates which make them less space
efficient.
• So more roof space is needed for installation
Thin Film Solar Cells
• The efficiency rates for thin film solar cells tends to vary from 7 to 13 %
Advantages
• They can be manufactured to be flexible, making them widely applicable to a
range of situations and building types
• Mass production is easy to achieve, making them potentially cheaper to
produce than crystalline solar cells
• Shading has a similar effect on their efficiency
Disadvantages
• They are not ideal for domestic use as thy take up a lot of space
• Low space efficiency means that they will cause further expenses in the form of
enhancers, like cables of support structures
• They have a shorter lifespan and so shorter warranty periods
 PV cells
The basic unit of PV technology
PV module
• A number of PV cells connected
together (series/parallel) to produce
higher voltages, currents and power
levels.
• Photovoltaic modules consist of PV
cell circuits sealed in a
environmentally protective laminate
and are the fundamental building
blocks of PV systems.
PV String A number of PV modules
connected in series
PV Array
• An assembly of mechanically integrated and
electrically interconnected PV modules.
• A number of PV modules connected in
series and parallel.
PV Configuration
• The PV modules need to be connected in
series/parallel in order to produce the
required voltages, currents and power
levels.
• Usually, it is denoted as Parallel x Series. For
example, an array with 4 x 3 configuration
means that 4 PV modules are connected in
parallel, and 3 PV modules are connected in
series
PV Configuration
• The PV modules need to be connected in
series/parallel in order to produce the
required voltages, currents and power
levels.
• Usually, it is denoted as Parallel x Series. For
example, an array with 4 x 3 configuration
means that 4 PV modules are connected in
parallel, and 3 PV modules are connected in
series
Lecture Activity/Example

• An array with 2 x 3 configuration is being proposed to installed at Mr. Sauri’s rooftop

using BISOL 224 W PV module.
• The datasheet as attached .
1. Sketch the diagram.
2. Find the open circuit voltage VOC for each string at STC
3. Find the short circuit current Ioc of the array at STC
4. Determine the Array power at STC
Photovoltaic Technology
(Part 2)
Introduction
Electrical outputs of PV modules are affected by several factors:
• Irradiance
• Temperature (the temperature of the PV cell/module)
• Site condition such as shading etc.
Effect of
irradiance
As irradiance increases:
• Current increases
proportionately
• Voltage has a marginal
impact
• Power increases
correspondingly
Effect of
temperature

As temperature increases:
• Current increases
marginally
• Voltage decreases
significantly
• Power decreases
correspondingly
 Power
The output power can be calculated as:
 Determine the expected maximum PV power output of module
at that area.
Example 1
The specification of a PV panel Sunceco
300W is given. The panel is exposed to the
following ROC:
• Cell temperature: 65 oC
• Irradiance 800 W/m2
• dirt 2%
• no shading
• Factor due to mismatch is 1.0
• Light Induced Degradation (LID) is 2.5%
on the zeroth year.
Solution
Short circuit
current and
Open circuit
Voltage
Current
The output current of a PV
module can be determined
as:
Example 2
• By using the same PV panel and ROC as in Example 1, determine the
expected short circuit current.
Solution
Voltage
• The output voltage of a PV module can be determined as:
Example 3
• By using the same PV panel as in Example 1, determine the expected
open circuit voltage:
Solution