Photovoltaic System | Pros, Cons, How it Works?

What is a Photovoltaic System?

A photovoltaic system is vital for transforming solar energy into electricity. There are a variety of sizes, for instance, small rooftop setups, large-scale plants, etc. One of the key benefits is that it can work independently without any necessary input.  This article discusses the solar system’s factors, functions, benefits, and limitations.  

Types of Photovoltaic System 

The solar system is an impressive and unique electrical system as it generates electricity through a renewable energy source, i.e., the sun. 

This particular system has two categories:

• Systems which coherently integrate the residential and industrial electric system is known as Grid-connected systems. These systems are employed cooperatively with the electric grid to satisfy the customers.
• Standalone system embodies a battery structure with an undisturbed power supply, even when the direct energy from the sun is unavailable. This configuration permits regular service of electrical energy.

How does a Photovoltaic system work?

A solar panel encompasses PV cells that absorb sunlight and convert it into electric energy. These cells are created with a semiconductor material, which allows effective transmission of power. When these cells get interconnected, they form a module. These cells are interconnected to develop a module, and these modules together include a solar panel. 

Once the semiconductor consumes sunlight, it releases electrons, which can move through the material and create a flow of electricity. This electricity generated from the solar cells will be immediately utilized and stored in the PV system.

Components of Photovoltaic System

The following is a photovoltaic system’s essential parts:

• Photovoltaic modules: A photovoltaic system can harvest solar energy using unique parts known as photovoltaic modules, which can generate electricity when exposed to sunlight.
• Electrical cables: These wires supply energy to consumers from the system.
• Energy storage: This excellent technique increases the efficiency of the systems by storing the energy absorbed by the sun to use later to generate electricity. With the help of this, the customers can optimize the solar system collection without changing the patterns. The technology used in residential and commercial solar panels is the same. Nevertheless, there are a few key distinctions. 
• Size: Because a residential panel serves fewer people, it is usually smaller and produces less electricity. A commercial panel will be broader and contain 96 cells, but a typical residential panel will have 72 cells. The quantity of power a panel generates determines its cost, not its size. Thus, the price of a ten kWH system for a house will be the same as that of a system with the same capacity for a company.

Benefits

• Sustainable energy source: photovoltaic systems are an energy source that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels because they harness the sun’s energy.
• Cost-effectiveness: Because solar energy generation is accessible and operational expenses are low, a photovoltaic system may be highly cost-effective in the long term despite its potentially high initial cost.
• Low maintenance: Photovoltaic systems are a dependable energy source since they require little maintenance and last longer.
• Flexibility: photovoltaic systems may be mounted in various locations, including open areas, rooftops, and transportable platforms, offering a great deal of positioning and versatility.

Limitations 

• Weather dependence: A photovoltaic system’s power output is weather-dependent and can be significantly lowered by inclement weather, such as clouds. This may have an impact on the system’s effectiveness.
• Initial cost: Although it has come down recently, a solar system might be expensive initially.
• Space requirements: Operating a photovoltaic system in an urban setting might not be easy, but it must function correctly.
• Power storage: Since it’s usually more expensive, storing extra energy might be difficult.
• Reliance on sunshine: The production of electricity from a photovoltaic system is contingent upon the intensity of sunlight.

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