Photovoltaic solar energy is the result of converting sunlight into electricity, to obtain it a type of technology is used that is based on the photoelectric effect. Therefore, it is a renewable energy because it is inexhaustible, does not pollute and is obtained through a resource provided by nature.
In addition, it can be produced with small generators so that individuals can have self-consumption or it can be generated in large photovoltaic plants.
Then we are going to explain in more detail what this type of renewable energy consists of.
What exactly is photovoltaic solar energy?
It is considered a clean and renewable energy source. It uses radiation from the sun to obtain electricity, specifically the photoelectric effect. With this effect there are certain materials that absorb photons (light particles) and release electrons, thus generating an electric current.
In order for this effect to occur, a device that acts as a semiconductor is needed, this device is known as a cell or photovoltaic cell. They are usually made of monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous silicon or other materials that are thin-film semiconductors.
As for monocrystalline silicon, it is worth mentioning that it is obtained from a single silicon crystal (it has to be pure), these reach their maximum efficiency between 18 and 20% on average.
In reference to polycrystalline silicon, we should say that it is manufactured in a block from several crystals, thus it is cheaper. Its average efficiency is between 16 and 17.5%.
Amorphous silicon has a messy glass network that makes it offer worse performance. Its efficiency is between 8 and 9%, for this reason it is cheaper than the other two.
Advantages of photovoltaic solar energy
Photovoltaic solar energy has many advantages, below we will explain them so that you know them:
First of all, and as we have already said at the beginning of this article, it is an energy that does not pollute, it is renewable and inexhaustible. As long as there is sunlight, we can obtain this type of energy. It should also be noted that it contributes to sustainable development, which is very important to reduce carbon emissions and that the situation with the environment does not worsen.
Second, it is a highly recommended source for rural or isolated areas. In these types of areas the electrical wiring does not usually reach or the electricity arrives with difficulty and usually the installation usually costs more. The installation of a system to obtain photovoltaic solar energy is perfect to reduce these costs and to always have energy. It is also recommended for those areas where there are many hours of sunshine a day.
Thirdly, we will highlight that it is modular, so the installation of plates to obtain photovoltaic solar energy adapts to each space and need. You can create large photovoltaic parks with many panels or a small installation with one or two panels on the roof, for private homes that do not have more space to install them.
For all these reasons, it is necessary to promote the use and installation of plates to obtain photovoltaic solar energy, both in homes and in companies. Because it is a clean energy, which does not emit CO2 in the process of obtaining. It adapts to everyone and is profitable, plus it does not require complicated or laborious maintenance.
There are two options for those who want to use this type of energy, those that are connected to a network and those that do not.
The first case has two subgroups; photovoltaic plants and self-consumption generators. The power plants produce energy through panels, then this energy is poured into a power grid. As for the generators, they dedicate a part of the energy to the producer’s own consumption and the other part is poured into the grid. The producer also uses the energy found in the network for his own consumption when not enough is supplied.
In the second case, the installations work like an island, they are the ones that we find in the most remote and isolated places or in agricultural operations to illuminate the necessary areas. They are also used to support telecommunications or to pump irrigation systems.