HOW PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY IS GENERATED
When we think of this type of energy, one of the first images that comes to us is that of a solar panel. These plates are formed by modules and these, in turn, by photovoltaic cells .
HOW PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ENERGY IS GENERATED
Its cells are formed by one or more sheets of semiconductor material and covered with a transparent glass that lets solar radiation pass, minimizing heat losses.
Conventional photovoltaic solar cells are made of silicon, which makes them quite efficient, with average yields of 14 to 17%, although they are also more expensive to produce due to their high dependence on the availability of silicon.
They have begun to use other cheaper materials, these cells being called “second generation”, although their yields are approximately 10 to 12%.
For the concentration systems, materials that form ” multi-junctions ” are used , greatly increasing the yield and reaching values of 25 to 30%.
Research continues to reduce production costs and increase the versatility of the modules, as well as the possibility of using more abundant materials on the planet. In this way, you can choose between different types of photovoltaic cells for the specific characteristics of each installation.
THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING THE ENERGY OF THE SUN IS SIMPLE
Sunlight, composed of photons, affects the photovoltaic cells of the plate, creating in this way, a field of electricity between the layers. This is how an electrical circuit is generated. The more intense the light, the greater the flow of electricity. In addition, it is not necessary to have direct light, since on cloudy days it also works.
The photoelectric cells transform solar energy into direct current , and this is usually transformed into alternating current to be able to use the electronic equipment that we usually have in our homes. The device that is responsible for this transformation is called the inverter .
