Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installations to Pave Road for Clean Energy Generation
In the race of becoming an intelligent species, we have strived and developed by consuming resources available on our planet. However, in this process, we have destroyed our mother Earth. In the period of time, there has been a significant increase in the pollution and population alongside a massive depletion of our natural resources. This has resulted in the rise of innovative reforms in order to curb the damages that we are doing to nature and optimize new sources of energy. Solar energy is a renewable natural resource that is available in abundance. It offers clean energy that does not cause pollution nor harm our environment in any other way. Introduction of Solar Photovoltaic could be the answer to saving what is left of other natural resources.
Converting light energy into electricity using semiconductor materials that have a photovoltaic effect is termed as photovoltaics. A photovoltaic system is comprised of numerous solar cell that employs solar modules. This system efficiently converts solar energy into electricity. This system can be mounted on roofs, grounds or even wall. The mount can be fixed or can be integrated with a solar tracker to follow the sun across the sky. This system offers a specific advantage as an energy source by generating power free of pollution or greenhouse gas emissions. This ensures the scalability of the power that we need by using silicon which is abundantly available in the Earth’s crust.
Different types of semiconductor material and PV cell technology varies the efficiency of the PV cells in order to convert electricity from sunlight. Commercially available PV modules offer efficiencies ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent. However, the solar power generation is not solely dependent on the efficiency of the PV sells or the location, but it also depends on the area it is being installed. On the basis of types of the solar system, it can be segmented into two different categories such as a) Types of solar power connection and b) Types of solar panel mounting structure. Both of these segments are further bifurcated into different categories:
1) Types of solar system installation based on power connection
a) Off-grid solar power system
The PV system is completely disconnected from the utility power grid in the off-grid solar power system. This system requires storage batteries in order to generate and store the solar energy and utilize as and when necessary. If the power is generated beyond the threshold, this excess energy is stored in the batteries and can be transported to the utility companies like the grid connection. In the off-grid system, electricity generators can be used as a source of power to satisfy the prolonged excess power demand requirements. The key benefits of this system include providing power to remote areas, where the traditional grid connection is not reachable and supplying uninterrupted power supply during power cuts.
b) One-grid or grid-tied solar power stations
The solar power generation system is connected to the electric utility grid in the on-grid or grid-tied type of solar system. It is a traditional utility power source or the grid that homeowners can integrate when the consumption of power generated from solar exceeds that produced solar electricity. When the power generated is more than the more required or consumed, the excess energy can be sold back to the utility company. This process is known as net-metering. This process can be completely automated by switching between the power supplies. This system is supported by battery backup systems to store the generated power as the power consumption and production time usually differs. The advantages of the grid-connected solar power installation include generating passive income through the facility to export excess electricity to the utility company and ensures easy solar installation and lower power generation capacity.
2) Types of solar power connection
a) Ground-mount solar installation
Due to locational problems such as sun exposures, some buildings are not suitable for installing solar panels. In such conditions where land area is sufficient, solar panels can be mounted on the ground with the help of metal and concrete structures to fix the panels above the ground. The site should be properly survived and various parameters such as space availability, geographical location, wind intensity, etc. should be taken under consideration.
b) Flat roof solar installation
This type of installation requires very fewer efforts can be installed on the roofs of commercial or residential buildings. This type of system offers flexibility for the positioning the solar panels at a specific angle that receives maximum exposure to the sun. Ballasts or weights, mechanical attachments, and hybrid mount can be different techniques in install to hold the solar panels.
c) Pitched roof solar installation
The pitched roof solar installation is made on an angular roof. Installing this type of system can be complex as the solar panels are to be held intact on the inclined surface of the roof.
There has been a significant rise in the awareness of our damaged ecosystem. The solar photovoltaic installations could pave a new way of utilizing the excess solar energy and improving our environment. After exhaustive research, Allied Market Research has estimated that the market of global solar photovoltaic (PV) installations market would garner $393.6 billion by 2023, registering a CAGR of 17.4% from 2017 to 2023. This market has great potential and will increase at a steady pace as new technologies and innovative products are introduced in this market.
