RES Canada
RES Chile
ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY
An abundant, renewable, pollution-free source of energy
Two types of technology are used to turn sunlight into electricity.
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Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) |
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Photovoltaic Energy (PV) Solar photovoltaics, also often called "solar panels" or "PV panels", are comprised of cells consisting of one or two layers of a semiconducting material, which is often similar to what is used in computer chips. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers, causing electricity to flow. The semiconductor material most frequently used in photovoltaic cells is silicon, an element most commonly found in sand. There is no limitation to its availability as a raw material; silicon is the second most abundant material in the Earth's mass. Solar PV is the most widely used form of solar technology, and it is used in both residential and commercial-scale installations. Commercial-scale installations are typically located in areas with strong solar resources to ensure maximum electricity production. |
PV is used in a wide variety of
applications:
Grid-connected domestic systems: This is the most
popular type of solar PV system for homes and businesses in
developed areas. Connection to the local electricity network allows
any excess power produced to feed the electricity grid and to sell
it to the utility. Electricity is then imported from the network
when there is no sun.
Grid-connected power plants: These systems, also
grid-connected, produce a large quantity of photovoltaic
electricity in a single point. The size of these plants ranges from
several hundred kilowatts to several megawatts. Some of these
applications are located on large industrial buildings such as
airport terminals or railway stations. This type of large
application makes use of already available space and compensates a
part of the electricity required by these energy-intensive
consumers.
Off-grid systems for rural electrification: Where
no mains electricity is available, the system is connected to a
battery via a charge controller. An inverter can be used to provide
AC power, enabling the use of normal electrical appliances. Typical
off-grid applications are used to bring access to electricity to
remote areas (mountain huts, developing countries). Rural
electrification means either small solar home system covering basic
electricity needs in a single household, or larger solar
mini-grids, which provide enough power for several homes. More
information is available at www.ruralelec.org
Hybrid systems: A solar system can be combined
with another source of power - a biomass generator, a wind turbine
or diesel generator - to ensure a consistent supply of electricity.
A hybrid system can be grid-connected, stand-alone or grid-support.
More information is available at www.ruralelec.org
Consumer goods: Photovoltaic cells are used in
many daily electrical appliances, including watches, calculators,
toys, battery chargers, professional sun roofs for automobiles.
Other applications include power for services such as water
sprinklers, road signs, lighting and phone boxes.
Off-grid industrial applications: Uses for solar
electricity for remote applications are very frequent in the
telecommunications field, especially to link remote rural areas to
the rest of the country. Repeater stations for mobile telephones
powered by PV or hybrid systems also have a large potential. Other
applications include traffic signals, marine navigation aids,
security phones, remote lighting, highway signs and waste water
treatment plants. These applications are cost competitive today as
they enable to bring power in areas far away from electric mains,
avoiding the high cost of installing cabled networks.
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