Photovoltaics is the technology of converting solar energy into electricity using the photovoltaic phenomenon. The process occurs in semiconductor photovoltaic cells, which produce electricity when illuminated by sunlight. The technology is a key component of renewable energy sources and plays an important role in decarbonising the economy. Photovoltaic systems can include small home installations, medium-sized installations on commercial rooftops, and large-scale solar farms that generate power for the power grid.
Photovoltaics
pl.
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Photovoltaic cells: Basic units that convert sunlight into electricity. They can be made of crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, or organic materials.
- Photovoltaic panels: Complex modules consisting of multiple interconnected photovoltaic cells, secured with glass and a protective frame.
- Inverters: Devices that convert direct current (DC) generated by photovoltaic cells into alternating current (AC) used in electric power grids.
- Mounting systems: Structures that enable stable mounting of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of buildings, on facades, and in ground installations.
- Energy storage systems: Batteries and energy management systems that store excess energy generated by photovoltaic installations.
Industry usage
- Home systems: Installations on residential rooftops to power household appliances.
- Solar farms: Large-scale solar installations that generate energy for power grids.
- Hybrid systems: Combining photovoltaics with other energy sources, such as wind turbines.
- Powering up mobile devices: Small panels that power mobile devices, such as lamps or alarm systems.
- Industrial applications: Powering industrial installations and facilities with high energy demands.
Importance for the economy
Photovoltaics is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sectors, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The development of this technology supports job creation, accelerates the energy transition, and lowers the cost of electricity production. In addition, the large-scale deployment of photovoltaics enhances countries’ energy security and enables efficient management of natural resources.
Related technologies
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Mechanism of action
- Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight into electricity through the photovoltaic effect that occurs in semiconductors. When photons of light fall on a semiconductor layer (e.g. made of silicon), they transfer their energy to electrons, causing them to move and generating a potential difference, resulting in the flow of electric current. The resulting direct current (DC) is sent to an inverter, which converts it to alternating current (AC), enabling it to be used directly or sent to the power grid. In modern photovoltaic systems, excess energy can be stored in batteries so that it can be used during periods of less sunshine.
Advantages
- Renewable energy source: Using solar energy as an inexhaustible source of energy.
- CO2 reduction: Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy sources.
- Low operating costs: Minimal maintenance and upkeep costs compared to conventional power plants.
- Scalability: Customisable installation sizes, from small home systems to solar farms.
- Energy autonomy: Ability to generate energy for own needs and become independent of the power grid.
Disadvantages
- High initial costs: The cost of installing the panels and infrastructure can be a barrier for individual investors.
- Sensitivity to weather conditions: Energy production depends on the level of sunlight, which limits output at night and in bad weather.
- Energy storage problems: Technological limitations and the high cost of energy storage.
- Emissions during production: The process of manufacturing photovoltaic panels involves emissions and the consumption of natural resources.
- Dependence on raw materials: High demand for raw materials, such as silicon, cadmium, and silver, can lead to problems with their availability.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Semiconductors: Semiconductor materials, such as silicon, cadmium telluride, or perovskites.
- Assembly infrastructure: Mounting systems for photovoltaic panels on roofs and in ground installations.
- Inverters: Devices that convert direct current to alternating current.
- Energy storage systems: Batteries to store excess energy generated.
- Renewable energy specialists: Experts responsible for designing, installing, and monitoring systems.
Required competences
- Photovoltaic engineering: Design of energy generation systems based on photovoltaic technology.
- Semiconductor physics: Knowledge of the physical principles of photovoltaic cells.
- Energy efficiency simulations: Modelling and optimising the performance of photovoltaic systems.
- Electrical installations: Design and implementation of energy management systems in buildings.
- Energy management: Optimising the storage and transmission of energy generated from photovoltaic systems.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: The manufacturing process of photovoltaic panels is energy-intensive, but energy consumption is minimal during operation.
- Emissions of pollutants: Emissions during panel production due to the use of toxic chemicals, such as hydrofluoric acid.
- Waste generated: Waste generated during the manufacture and recycling of photovoltaic panels may contain heavy metals.
- Recycling: Limited ability to recycle panels made of non-standard materials, such as CdTe.
- Raw material consumption: High consumption of valuable raw materials, such as high-purity silicon, cadmium, and indium.
Legal conditions
- Protection of intellectual property: Patents and regulations for photovoltaic technology, including unique panel manufacturing methods, cell designs, and assembly processes that protect innovative solutions used in this sector.
- Environmental regulations: Regulations for emissions and management of hazardous waste from the production of photovoltaic panels (e.g. REACH and RoHS regulations) as well as regulations for the impact of solar farms on local ecosystems.
- Product certification: Certification requirements for photovoltaic panels and inverters for their energy efficiency and safety (e.g. CE marking and IEC standards).
- Regulations for renewable energy sources: Regulations supporting the development of RES, such as financial support schemes (subsidies, feed-in tariffs), regulations on grid connection obligations, and building standards promoting the use of renewable energy.
- Environmental protection: Environmental impact assessment (EIA) regulations for large solar farms that take into account aspects such as impacts on biodiversity and landscape.