Solar PV - Solar PV Arrays - Photovoltaics

Multiple Solar PV modules can be wired together to form a Solar PV array. Solar PV modules and arrays produce direct current (DC) electricity. They can be connected in both series and parallel to produce any required voltage and current combination

What are Solar PV Arrays?

Because a single Solar PV panel can only produce a limited amount of power, many installations contain several panels. Solar PV panels that are electrically connected together are often referred to as an array.

Solar PV Panels

A grouping of Solar PV panels can be fitted in different configurations depending on the local conditions e.g. to follow the shape of a roof or to avoid a roof light. Solar Panels usually have a backing sheet that is opaque but the backing can be transparent, allowing some light through and creating a dappled effect.

Solar PV Arrays - Photovoltaics

Solar PV requires only daylight, not necessarily sunlight, and is therefore capable of generating electricity on cloudy days. Solar PV works equally well in urban or rural locations. It can be installed on the roof of most homes that can support the equipment and can be easily connected to a building’s electricity supply.

Sunlight for Solar PV Arrays

The amount of available sunlight in the UK varies with the latitude of the site. The south of the country has more available light than the north. The total annual energy available varies from approximately 1,259 kWh per metre squared per year in the South-West of England to 850 kWh per metre squared per year in Scotland. The light energy also varies during different seasons of the year with more daylight available in the summer than in the winter.

Siting of Solar Integrated PV - Solar PV Arrays

Solar PV panels can be attached to pitched roofs or flat roofs, fixed vertically onto external walls or located on the ground. They can also be integrated into patent glazing or rain screen cladding systems. They should work efficiently in most locations as long as no part of the panel is shaded from daylight.

Solar PV - Crystalline Silicon Panels

By far the most prevalent bulk material used in the manufacture of Solar PV Panels is crystalline silicon. Bulk silicon is separated into multiple categories according to the crystallinity and crystal size in the resulting ingot, ribbon or wafer. Currently popular solar cells are made from bulk silicon that is cut into wafers between 180 to 240 micrometres thick.

Solar PV - Solar Thin Film

Solar Thin Film technologies reduce the amount of material required to create a solar cell. Thin film silicon cells are becoming increasingly popular because of their low cost, flexibility, lighter weight and ease of integration into building materials and buildings.

When in use, Solar PV does not generate greenhouse gases or cause pollution. Each kilowatt-peak (kWp) of electricity produced can save approximately 455 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions compared with electricity generated from fossil fuels

 

About Solar PV - Solar PV Arrays - Thin Film Solar