Page 56 - “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

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