Page 47 - “GREENING” THE CONTENT IN CXC® SYLLABUSES

E-LEARNING MODULES AND LEARNING GUIDE FOR TEACHERS

Solar Photovoltaic

A photovoltaic (PV) system is an electric power source in which solar cells converts solar energy

directly into DC electricity. Photovoltaic solar cells convert sunlight directly into solar power

(electricity) based on the photovoltaic effect. The solar photovoltaic (PV) effect is the process of

converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage).

Type of PV cells, component, and Solar PV applications

There are three main types of PV cells, namely, s monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film.

Monocrystalline Solar Panels Polycrystalline Solar Panels Thin-film Solar Panels
Made from silicon Made from silicon Made from Cadmium
telluride,
Copper indium gallium
selenide, amorphous
silicon or organic
photovoltaic (OPV)
Use a single crystal of silicon Made from many silicon Portable, flexible, and
fragments melted together lightweight
Expensive Less costly Cheapest
Appears black in colour Appears Blue in colour Appears bluish black
High efficiency rate (20%) Lower efficiency (14-16%) Low efficiency (7-13%)
Life span of 25-30 years Lifespan of 25 years Lifespan of around 12
years

Components of a stand-alone solar system

Solar home systems are stand-alone solar PV systems which comprise of one or more solar

panels, a charge controller, an inverter, and batteries for storage. These systems are also referred
as off-grid systems.

45