Photovoltaic energy is produced by converting sunlight into energy using silicon solar cells. These cells can be linked to form solar panels or modules, which can power small buildings or large complexes. Energy can be stored using rechargeable batteries and capacitors. Photovoltaic energy is ecologically clean, safe, and can be used in various applications. Continued research may hold promise for the future.
Photovoltaic energy is produced when sunlight is converted into energy with the use of solar cells or semiconductors. These semiconductor cells are usually made from silicon and contain no corrosive materials or moving parts. As long as solar cells are exposed to light, they will produce photovoltaic energy with minimal maintenance. This energy is also ecologically clean, silent and safe.
The term “photovoltaic” is made up of two parts: photo, a Greek word meaning light, and voltaic, a reference to the electricity innovator Alessandro Volta. In 1839, French physicist Edmond Becquerel discovered the photovoltaic effect, the production of a volt by the use of a semiconductor. This discovery prompted further experimentation with light sources and semiconductors, which led to the invention of solar cells that produce photovoltaic energy.
Individual solar cells, also called photovoltaic cells, are produced in different shapes and sizes. Sometimes only one cell is needed to power a device, but very often many cells are linked together to form solar panels or modules. These modules can then be connected to create photovoltaic arrays that can be used to power small buildings or large complexes. The resulting PV energy production depends on the size of the array. Sizes can vary, depending on the amount of sunlight available and the amount of energy needed.
Even though the output of a PV energy system depends on the overall amount of light exposure, it will still generate power on cloudy or overcast days. To store this energy for later transmission, consumers have a variety of storage systems at their disposal. The most reliable storage systems use a combination of rechargeable batteries and capacitors for energy storage, some of which can be designed for AC or DC power.
The amount of energy available on cloudy days and at night in a PV power system depends on the power output of the PV modules and the arrangement of the batteries. Adding additional modules and batteries will increase the available power, but will also increase the cost of the system. For best results, a thorough needs versus cost analysis should be conducted in order to create a system design that balances cost and needs with ease of use. Well-designed systems provide the opportunity to expand or shrink as energy needs increase or decrease.
Photovoltaic energy is emerging as a viable solution to energy problems around the world. Its current uses include power plants, transportation, rural electricity supplies, and solar roads. While still far from becoming the world’s leading energy source, continued research into photovoltaic energy may hold the promise of hope for the future.
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