Elsevier

Energy

Volume 53, 1 May 2013, Pages 1-13
Energy

Review
Solar power generation by PV (photovoltaic) technology: A review

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.02.057Get rights and content

Highlights

  • This paper reviews the progress made in solar power generation by PV technology.

  • Performance of solar PV array is strongly dependent on operating conditions.

  • Manufacturing cost of solar power is still high as compared to conventional power.

Abstract

The various forms of solar energy – solar heat, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity, and solar fuels offer a clean, climate-friendly, very abundant and in-exhaustive energy resource to mankind. Solar power is the conversion of sunlight into electricity, either directly using photovoltaic (PV), or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP). The research has been underway since very beginning for the development of an affordable, in-exhaustive and clean solar energy technology for longer term benefits. This paper, therefore, reviews the progress made in solar power generation research and development since its inception. Attempts are also made to highlight the current and future issues involved in the generation of quality and reliable solar power technology for future applications. A list of 121 research publications on the subject is also appended for a quick reference.

Introduction

The fast depleting conventional energy sources and today's continuously increasing energy demand in the context of environmental issues, have encouraged intensive research for new, more efficient, and green power plants with advanced technology. Since environmental protection concerns are increasing in the whole world today, both new energy and clean fuel technologies are being intensively pursued and investigated. Most of the renewable energy from wind, micro-hydro, tidal, geothermal, biomass, and solar are converted into electrical energy to be delivered either to the utility grid directly or isolated loads [1], [2], [3], [4]. Human race has been harnessing solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun since ancient times using a range of ever-evolving technologies. Solar energy technologies include solar heating, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal electricity and solar architecture, which can make significant contributions towards solving some of the most pressing energy problems now faced by the world [5].

For the generation of electricity in far flung area at reasonable price, sizing of the power supply system plays an important role. Photovoltaic systems and some other renewable energy systems are, therefore, an excellent choices in remote areas for low to medium power levels, because of easy scaling of the input power source [6], [7]. The main attraction of the PV systems is that they produce electric power without harming the environment, by directly transforming a free inexhaustive source of energy, the solar energy into electricity. Also, the continuing decrease in cost of PV arrays and the increase in their efficiency imply a promising role for PV generating systems in the near future [8], [9]. Unfortunately, the technologies associated with photovoltaic (PV) power systems are not yet fully established, and therefore, the price of an energy unit generated from a PV system is an order of magnitude higher than conventional energy supplied to city areas, by means of the grid supply.

The efficiency of energy conversion depends mainly on the PV panels that generate power. The practical systems have low overall efficiency. This is the result of the cascaded product of several efficiencies, as the energy is converted from the sun through the PV array, the regulators, the battery, cabling and through an inverter to supply the ac load [10], [11]. Weather conditions also influence the efficiency, which depends non-linearly on the irradiation level and temperature. For example, a cloud passing over a portion of solar cells or a sub-module will reduce the total output power of solar PV arrays. Under certain cloud conditions, the changes can be dramatic and fast. A method is required to assess the cost of such fluctuations and their effect on other systems to which a solar array may be connected e.g. utility [12], [13]. Several methods have been developed to predict the solar PV array output power. An estimation method used in Ref. [14] proposes that the power output of a PV system is proportional to the insolation levels measured for the surface of a solar cell at any angular position. Since power supplied by the solar arrays also depends on temperature and array voltage, it is necessary to draw the maximum power of the solar array. Various techniques have been proposed and developed to maximize the output power [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19]. The wide acceptance of a PV power generation depends on the cost and on the energy conversion efficiency. Attempts have, however, been constantly made to improve sun tracking system to increase the efficiency to make solar energy attractive. In current technology condition, utilization of tracking PV system is an optimum selection of enhancing system efficiency and reducing cost.

This paper, therefore, deals with a state-of-the art discussion on solar power generation, highlighting the analytical and technical considerations as well as various issues addressed in the literature towards the practical realization of this technology for utilization of solar energy for solar power generation at reduced cost and high efficiency. One hundred twenty-one publications [1–121] are reviewed and classified in 6 parts.

Section snippets

Concept and feasibility studies

Becquerel [20] for the first time in 1839 discovered the photovoltaic effect. Later on in 1877, the photovoltaic effect in solid Selenium was observed by Adams and Day [21]. Fritz in 1883 developed the first photovoltaic cell and its efficiency was less than 1% [22]. A paper on photovoltaic effect was published by Einstein in 1904 [21]. In 1927, a new type of photovoltaic cell was developed using copper and semiconductor copper oxide. This device also had an efficiency of less than 1% [20]. Ohl

Modeling of photovoltaic cell

The semiconductor device that transforms solar light in electrical energy is termed as ‘Photovoltaic cell’, and the phenomenon is named as ‘Photovoltaic effect’. To size a solar PV array, cells are assembled in form of series-parallel configuration for requisite energy [37], [38], [39]. The electric power generated by a solar PV array fluctuates depending on the operating conditions and field factors such as the sun's geometric location, irradiation levels and ambient temperature [40], [41]. A

Photovoltaic system for power generation

A basic photovoltaic system integrated with utility grid is shown in Fig. 2. The PV array converts the solar energy to dc power, which is directly dependent on insolation. Blocking diode facilitates the array generated power to flow only towards the power conditioner. Without a blocking diode, the battery would discharge back through the solar array during low insolation. Power conditioner contains a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) [14], [15], [54], [55], a battery charge and a discharge

Hybrid solar power system

Many experts believe that it is not possible for one single alternative renewable energy source to replace the conventional energy source (fossil fuels), but rather a combination of different types of clean energy source will be required instead. Such system is called hybrid system. A hybrid system combines PV with other forms of generation, usually a diesel generator. Biogas is also used. The other forms of generation may be a type able to modulate power output as a function of demand.

Maximizing the output power

Power supplied by solar arrays depends upon the insolation, temperature and array voltage. It is also the function of the product of voltage and current. By varying one of these two parameters; voltage or current, power can be maximized. To achieve this aim, apart from using electromechanical fixtures such as fixed, single or double axis trackers that track the direction of the sun [95], [96], [97], [98], [99], [100], [101], [102], [103], [104], [105], certain electronic circuits are also used

Conclusion

Solar energy will play an increasing important role in a future where reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and addressing environmental issues are a priority. The energy technology sector is experiencing marked change from its traditional architecture of large-scale, centralized supply systems that take advantage of significant economies of scale. PV certainly fits this trend. Thus traditional cost comparisons based on large bulk power market may be misleading. PV is likely to pioneer the

Acknowledgment

Author would like to thank to the researchers/academicians whose works have been cited directly or indirectly in this paper. Author also wish to thank to Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi.

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