Advantage of Photovoltaic Power Generation

Abstract

This report is an overview of photovoltaic power generation.  The purpose of the report is to provide the reader with a general understanding of photovoltaic power generation and how PV technology can be practically applied. There is a brief discussion of early research and a description of how photovoltaic cells convert sunlight to electricity.  The report covers concentrating collectors, flat-plate collectors, thin-film technology, and building-integrated systems.  The discussion of photovoltaic cell types includes single-crystal, poly-crystalline, and thin-film materials.  The report covers progress in improving cell efficiencies, reducing manufacturing cost, and finding economic applications of photovoltaic technology.  Lists of major manufacturers and organizations are included, along with a discussion of market trends and projections. The conclusion is that photovoltaic power generation is still more costly than conventional systems in general.  However, large variations in cost of conventional electrical power, and other factors, such as cost of distribution, create situations in which the use of PV power is economically sound.  PV power is used in remote applications such as communications, homes and villages in developing countries, water pumping, camping, and boating.  Grid connected applications such as electric utility generating facilities and residential rooftop installations make up a smaller but more rapidly expanding segment of PV use.  Furthermore, as technological advances narrow the cost gap, more applications are becoming economically feasible at an accelerating rate.