Introduction
In Canada, Photovoltaic (PV) technology, also known as solar PV panels, has become a popular renewable energy technology because of social and economic factors, including the goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, environment reparation, and the restructuring of national power companies. Installing residential and commercial PV systems is beneficial for customers to cut electric costs and is critical to restoration from climate change.
Parenthetical Definition
The solar photovoltaic panel (a board that converts solar energy into electricity for buildings) has gained ground in Canada in recent years.
Sentence Definition
Solar Photovoltaic panel is a piece of equipment being put on roofs so that it could absorb sunshine and convert it into electrical energy (Sulaiman, S. A., Hussain, H. H., Leh, N. S. H. N., & Razali, M. S. (2011)). The term “photovoltaic” is derived from the words “photo” from Greek, which means light and “voltaic” stands for voltage, a parameter of electrical current. Photovoltaic (PV) technology is proven and easy to use solar energy to generate electricity (Rehman, S., Bader, M. A., & Al-Moallem, S. A. (2007)).
Expanded Definition
History
Solar PV panel’s history could be traced back to 1839 when Alexandre-Edmond Becquerel observed certain materials could create electricity from sunshine exposure. Then after 115 years of exploration, the research team Bell Labs created solar cells, the main components of solar PV panels. It thus indicates that solar panels could be used commercially in the global market (Prudhvi, P., & Sai, P. C. (2012, May)).
The principle of solar PV panels
Solar PV panels are composed of solar cells, a special material that can convert solar energy into electricity. When solar cells are exposed to the sunlight, the electrons in cells are boosted and jumped up because the sunshine is energizing them. This movement of the electron as a result of added energy creates two charge carriers, which creates an electric current in the cell eventually.
What is needed to make it work?
A typical solar PV system needs two major components: solar panels and inverters. Solar panels convert solar energy into electrical direct current and inverters convert it into alternating current, so that the energy from the sun could be used to energize appliances, such as lights, fridges, and freezers. How many solar panels are included in the system decides how much energy you would have eventually. A 5 kW residential PV system usually needs 14 solar panels.
Why install residential PV panels?
- A significant benefit to PV installation is a lower energy bill. Less dependence on the local utility usually stands for stability in the drastic rise of electricity rates.
- Generally, a residential solar system will pay off within 8 to 15 years and the system itself will last at least 25 years. That means you can have at least 10-17 years of free power in BC!
- According to the research done by National Renewable Energy Laboratory, every $1 of savings generated from a solar energy system will add $20 to your home’s market value when you decide to sell.
- A solar energy system will also help sell your home 20% faster than residences without solar panels.
References:
Peng, Z., Herfatmanesh, M. R., & Liu, Y. (2017). Cooled solar PV panels for output energy efficiency optimization. Energy Conversion and Management, 150, 949-955.
Rehman, S., Bader, M. A., & Al-Moallem, S. A. (2007). Cost of solar energy generated using PV panels. Renewable and sustainable energy reviews, 11(8), 1843-1857.
Weckend, S., Wade, A., & Heath, G. A. (2016). End of life management: solar photovoltaic panels (No. NREL/TP-6A20-73852). National Renewable Energy Lab.(NREL), Golden, CO (United States).
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