5
2
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PV / SOLAR SYSTEM
What is Photovoltaic (PV)?
The word ‘photo-voltaic’ is derived from two different words; the word ‘photos’,
from the Greek, meaning light and the word ‘voltaic’ developed from the name of the
Italian scientist, Volta, who studied electricity. This explains what a PV system does: it
converts light energy from the sun into electrical energy.
What is in a Photovoltaic (PV) system?
Non Grid-tied PV / Solar System
Fig. 2.1. Non Grid-tied PV System–Block Diagram
Fig. 2.1 shows a Block Diagram of a typical non-grid tied Photovoltaic (PV) System
with its main components. It consists of a PV / Solar Panel (Module), Charge Controller,
Batteries and Power Inverter. The PV / Solar Panel (Module) or Array converts the
solar light energy into DC electrical energy. The Charge Controller conditions the DC
electrical voltage and current produced by the PV / Solar Panel (Module) or Array to
charge a battery. The battery stores the DC electrical energy so that it can be used
when there is no solar energy available (night time, cloudy days etc). DC loads can be
powered directly from the PV / Solar Panel (Module) / Battery. The inverter converts
the DC power produced by the PV / Solar Panel (Module) / stored in the battery into
AC power to enable powering of AC loads.
To Next Page
Loading...