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Solar Photovoltaic System: History
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Contributor: Eng Editorial Office

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system is an electrical system that converts incident solar radiation directly into electrical energy through the photovoltaic effect, in which photons absorbed by a semiconductor generate electron–hole pairs that are separated by a junction to produce direct-current electricity [1]. The fundamental conversion unit is the solar cell, a large-area semiconductor diode—most commonly based on crystalline silicon—whose p–n junction produces a photocurrent when illuminated and whose current–voltage characteristic defines its short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and maximum power point [2]. A complete PV system combines PV modules (interconnected arrays of cells) with balance-of-system components—including mounting structures, wiring, maximum-power-point-tracking electronics, and inverters that convert the generated direct current to alternating current for grid connection or off-grid storage [1]. The system is distinguished from solar thermal systems, which convert sunlight into heat rather than electricity, and from other power-generation sources by the direct solid-state conversion of photon energy to electrical energy without moving thermodynamic cycles [2]. The electrical output of a module is characterized under standardized reference irradiance and temperature conditions so that different systems can be compared on a common basis [3].

  • solar photovoltaic system
  • PV system
  • photovoltaic effect
  • balance‑of‑system components

Photovoltaic Systems and Sustainability •  Environmental Engineering •  Environmental Science •  Physical Sciences

References

  1. Green, M.A. Solar Cells: Operating Principles, Technology and System Applications; Prentice-Hall: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1982. ISBN: 9780138222703.
  2. Luque, A.; Hegedus, S. (Eds.) Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, 2nd ed.; Wiley: Chichester, UK, 2011. ISBN: 978-0-470-72169-8.
  3. International Electrotechnical Commission. Photovoltaic Devices—Part 1: Measurement of Photovoltaic Current-Voltage Characteristics; IEC 60904-1; IEC: Geneva, Switzerland, 2006. https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/3872
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