In recent years, solar photovoltaic technology has experienced significant advances in both materials and systems, leading to improvements in efficiency, cost, and energy storage capacity. These advances have made solar photovoltaic technology a more viable option for renewable energy generation and energy storage.
Highlights This paper reviews the progress made in solar power generation by PV technology. Performance of solar PV array is strongly dependent on operating conditions. Manufacturing cost of solar power is still high as compared to conventional power. Abstract
Abstract: This chapter presents the important features of solar photovoltaic (PV) generation and an overview of electrical storage technologies. The basic unit of a solar PV generation system is a solar cell, which is a P‐N junction diode. The power electronic converters used in solar systems are usually DC‐DC converters and DC‐AC converters.
The evolution of the solar PV industry so far has been remarkable, with several milestones achieved in recent years in terms of installations (including off-grid), cost reductions and technological advancements, as well as establishment of key solar energy associations (Figure 5).
This report clearly points out that solar PV is one of the strategic renewable technologies needed to realise the global energy transformation in line with the Paris climate goals. The technology is available now, could be deployed quickly at a large scale and is cost-competitive.
Photovoltaic energy sources are used as grid-connected systems and stand-alone systems. Their applications include battery charging, water pumping, home power supplies, refrigeration, street lighting, swimming pools, hybrid vehicles, heating systems, telecommunications, satellite power systems, military space, and hydrogen production [28, 29].