Solar Photovoltaic FAQs
Q: What is PV?
PV is the general international abbreviations for Photo-Voltaisch (voltaic) conversion.
Q: What is Photo-Voltaic Conversion?
If certain materials receive sunlight (light) then this light is converted into electricity (Edmund Becquerel - 1839).
Q: What is a Solar Cell?
A solar cell is a sheet of material which converts sunlight (or artificial light) into electricity, using crystalline silicones.
Q: What is a PV module?
A PV module is an element in which solar cells have been assembled and connected in series. In general this a glass plate (special glass) on which solar cells are attached and connected to each other. Afterwards the total package of solar cells is electrically isolated and covered and sometimes packed into an aluminium frame.
Q: Which PV systems currently exist?
Because electric energy can only be generated by sunlight (daytime) and most electricity is used when it's dark and because the extraction time does not coincide with the time of use (day versus night, summer versus winter), the extracted electric energy must be stored. Therefore, depending on the installation capacity, the following systems exist:
Autonomous (so-called island system)
Here, the energy extracted is stored/accumulated in batteries for own or local use.
Normal Grid coupled system
Here, the extracted energy is supplied to the "public power system" through the energy meter by means of a converter. This meter adds and subtracts the amounts of energy, so only the balance of energy in kWh has to be paid.
Indirect Grid coupled system
Here, the total energy extracted is supplied to the "public power system" at a subsidised energy price and the daily energy use is calculated to the normal kWh price by the energy supply company.