Photovoltaic solar is being promoted for homeowners and business all over the world. Photovoltaic solar offers an immediate and direct replacement for fossil fuel energy. The energy we need can be provided immediately with solar and used onsite. If you produce more electricity than you require, you can provide power to your local utility.
Lenses mounted on top of a photovoltaic cell replace multiple cells in an array one cell per module instead of multiple photo cells. Small device Photovoltaic cells can be traditional or thin-film solar panels. Small solar devices can be used for recreational vehicles, portable radios, or other specialty devices. Small solar devices are becoming popular, and specialty devices are being designed to function using solar energy exclusively. As the efficiency of thin-film solar increases, more applications will emerge and be integrated into everyday items.
Concentrating and updraft solar are primarily commercial- and industrial-scale operations. These technologies can also be merged with fossil fuels to create a constant supply of power. The addition of a battery or fuel cell systems can make these solar units independent and a constant source of power. Connecting to the power grid is also an option.
Thin-Film Solar
Traditional PV panels are the most expensive form of PV solar but also the most efficient. Thin-film solar, such as that shown on a California carport roof in Figure 3-22, functions like traditional PV panels but is less efficient. Thin-film panels are significantly less expensive and can be formed into other surfaces. Thin film is also more durable and can be used as a portable charger or power source.
Focused-Lens and Specialty Photovoltaic
Focused-lens Photovoltaic can use as much as 100 times less silicon than traditional solar Photovoltaic cells, which is the most costly ingredient in the manufacture of solar panels.
Lenses mounted on top of a photovoltaic cell replace multiple cells in an array one cell per module instead of multiple photo cells. Small device Photovoltaic cells can be traditional or thin-film solar panels. Small solar devices can be used for recreational vehicles, portable radios, or other specialty devices. Small solar devices are becoming popular, and specialty devices are being designed to function using solar energy exclusively. As the efficiency of thin-film solar increases, more applications will emerge and be integrated into everyday items.
Concentrating Photovoltaic(CPV) Solar
Concentrating solar is also available in photovoltaic form. CPV solar functions similar to traditional PV solar, except a lens is used to focus sunlight on a single photo cell instead of an array of cells. The most expensive part of Photovoltaic solar is the photo cell. By reducing the amount of cells required, the cost of Concentrating Photovoltaic solar is reduced dramatically. The exciting element of focused or concentrating PV solar is that it can be used anywhere and has all of the benefits of traditional Photovoltaic at a fraction of the cost.
Concentrating and updraft solar are primarily commercial- and industrial-scale operations. These technologies can also be merged with fossil fuels to create a constant supply of power. The addition of a battery or fuel cell systems can make these solar units independent and a constant source of power. Connecting to the power grid is also an option.