Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is the process of converting energy from the sun into electricity using solar panels. Solar panels, also called PV panels, are combined into arrays in a PV system. PV systems can also be installed in grid-connected or off-grid (stand-alone) configurations.
Those systems are comprised of PV modules, racking and wiring, power electronics, and system monitoring devices, all of which are manufactured. Learn how PV works. Read the Solar Photovoltaics Supply Chain Review, which explores the global solar PV supply chain and opportunities for developing U.S. manufacturing capacity.
The basic components of these two configurations of PV systems include solar panels, combiner boxes, inverters, optimizers, and disconnects. Grid-connected PV systems also may include meters, batteries, charge controllers, and battery disconnects. There are several advantages and disadvantages to solar PV power generation (see Table 1).
Solar panels used in PV systems are assemblies of solar cells, typically composed of silicon and commonly mounted in a rigid flat frame. Solar panels are wired together in series to form strings, and strings of solar panels are wired in parallel to form arrays.
Central to this solar revolution are Photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, experiencing a meteoric rise in both demand and importance. For professionals in the field, a deep understanding of the manufacturing process of these cells is more than just theoretical knowledge.
Solar panel manufacturing is a complex, multi-step process, involving a range of scientific disciplines and high precision procedures to turn raw materials into energy-generating devices. Let’s analyze each step of the production process. 1. Materials Preparation