PV-The Basics

Photovoltaics refers to the direct transformation of sunlight into electrical energy, as based on a physical reaction. Albert Einstein was awarded with the Nobel Prize for his discovery of the Photoelectrical effect.

The transformation of sunlight into electricity takes place in the solar Cells which in photovoltaic modules are normally connected in series. Most of the solar cells available are made out of the semiconductor, silicon. The Solar Cell is constructed in several layers, with a negative and a positive doped layer. The impact of sunlight creates tension between each of the layers making it possible for a continuous current to be created. Using inverters, it is then possible to transform the continuous current into alternating current for our electricity networks.

Grid-linked PV systems - A rewarding and environmentally friendly investment

The number of installed, grid-linked PV systems is now in the millions, with new PV electricity generators being added every day. Properties which have south facing roofs, flat roofs or outdoor areas are ideally suited for solar electricity generation. The alternating current which is generated is then fed into the local electricity supply network via a separate electricity feed-in meter. In Germany and other European countries, the electricity which is generated in this way is reimbursed by the electricity company via an energy feed-in tariff. The Eneuerbare-Energien-Gesetz (EEG) (German Renewable Energy Law) specifies the rates of payment for the amounts of electricity which are fed in, and generators of environmentally friendly electricity are paid a fixed amount of money for every kilowatt hour.

A Grid-Linked PV system consists of the following components:

PV Modules for the transformation of light into electrical energy

Inverters for the transformation of the Solar current into alternating current

Electricity Feed-in Meter to ascertain the amount of electricity

Safety and fuse components for the electrical protection of the PV system.