samlexsolar SCC-30AB - PV Cell Types; PV Module; Panel and PV Array

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PV / SOLAR SYSTEM
PV Cell Types
PV cells are most commonly made of Silicon, and come in two varieties, crystalline and
thin-lm type, as detailed in Table 2.1
Cell types include Mono-crystalline Silicon, Poly-crystalline Silicon, Amorphous Silicon
(a-Si), Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Copper Indium Diselenide (CuInSe2, „CIS“), Cadmium
Telluride, or a combination of two materials in a tandem cell.
Bulk type / Wafer-based (Crystalline)
Mono Crystalline Si Poly Crystalline Si Poly Crystalline Band
Pros High efciency
High efciency with
respect to price
-
Cons
Increased manufacturing cost caused by the
supply shortage of silicon
-
Thin lm type
Amorphous Si CIGS CdTe Polymer organic
Pros Low price
Low price
Able to automate
all manufacturing
process
Low manufacturing
Can be more efcient
(still in research)
Cons Low efciency Low efciency
Table 2.1 PV Cell Types
PV Module / Panel and PV Array
To increase their utility, a number of individual PV cells are interconnected together
in a sealed, weatherproof package called a Panel (Module). For example, a 12 V Panel
(Module) will have 36 cells connected in series and a 24 V Panel (Module) will have 72
PV Cells connected in series
To achieve the desired voltage and current, Modules are wired in series and parallel
into what is called a PV Array. The exibility of the modular PV system allows
designers to create solar power systems that can meet a wide variety of electrical
needs. Fig. 2.5 shows PV cell, Panel (Module) and Array.