EE – 6203,

Renewable Energy Technology

Unit – II :

PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)
SYSTEM
Introduction :
 Solar Electricity is the electricity generated
directly from sunlight using solar or photovoltaic
cells.
 Photovoltaic refers “an electric voltage caused by
light”
 The pv power technology uses semiconductors
cells (wafers), generally of several cm 2
 Most solar cells are made of a form of silicon, a
hard material either blue or red in appearance.
 Individual solar cells can be compared to
batteries used in torches & radios.
 Each silicon solar cell produces about 0.4 V to
0.7 V
Continued…

 Solar cells are connected together (in

series) to produce a higher voltage.
 Connecting solar cells together called as
solar panels, solar cell modules, pv
modules etc.
 Major Advantages of the PV power
 Short lead time to design, install & start up a new
plant.
 Highly modular, hence the plant economy is nota
strong function of size.
 Power output matches very well with peak load
demands
 Static structure, no moving parts, hence no noise.
 High power capability per unit of weights.
 Longer life with little maintenance because of no
moving parts.
 Highly mobile & portable because of light weight.
Principle:-
 The physics of the pv cells is very similar
to p-n junction diode.
 When light is absorbed by the junction,
the energy of the absorbed photons is
transferred to the electron system of the
material, resulting in the creation of
charge careers that are separated at the
junction.
How long will fossile fuel last ??
Continued….

 Consider a hypothetical case where in

earth contains a thin core filled entirely
with oil as shown in the previous slide. It
turns out that the volume of the oil
present is

1.086×1021m3((4/3)×π×(6378×103)3).
Continued…
 The energy density of fuel is in the range of
10000Wh/Lt.

 The energy content in the fuel within the earth is

obtained as 1.1×1025KWh. Assuming that growth rate is
maintained at 7% and the entire energy is supplied
using fossil fuels. The energy requirement at any time, t
can be calculated using 70×1012e0.07t KWh

 t is obtained as 368 years. The fossil fuels will get

depleted in about 368 years.
Continued…
 If we consider the real situation, the earth is not-
completely filled with oil as assumed and further the
annual energy consumption rate is continually growing.
So the fuel may get exhausted in about 70-100 years.

 If the reserves of fuels decrease there will be a sharp

increase in the price of energy. This will lead to decrease
in energy consumption through fossil fuels. If alternative
sources are explored and utilized, then the fuel may be
actually used for more number of years.
Continued…
Is nuclear energy really an alternative?

 Nuclear energy as an alternative source is not a feasible

option. To increase the present 3% consumption to say
20% it requires the installation of a 400MW plant every
day for the next 10 years!!!.

 The disposal of nuclear waste also poses a problem.

 Energy Densities

 Thealternative sources considered

have energy density in the range of
10Wh/Lt where as fossil fuel energy
density is in the range of
10000Wh/Lt.
Energy densities of fuels…
 What are the other alternative energy
options

 Solar photovoltaic
 Solar thermal
 Wave
 Tidal
 Wind
 Geothermal
 Bio
 Hybrid
Scope for alternative energies…

 75% of energy comes from fossil fuels such as

crude oils, coal and natural gas
 12% from bio fuels such as methane
 9% from hydro based
 3% from nuclear
 1% from windmills and photovoltaic put
together… hence scope to increase
 End
Thank You