Solar Electric (Photovoltaic)
- Page 1 of 2
A Cost-Effective Market for Photovoltaics in Minnesota The Minnesota Department of Public Service identified cost-effective uses of photovoltaics (PV), based on recent experiences in the photovoltaic industry in Minnesota and across the nation. It then identified the potential market for applications in Minnesota state government. In total, nine major types of applications in the Departments of Natural Resources, Transportation, and Public Safety were investigated. Numerous specific potential installations were identified which, if implemented, would require an investment of $4.4 million. Since the study considered only cost-effective applications, it is expected that this investment would prove less costly in these applications than using conventional means to supply the electric power.
Applied Power Corporation (APC) Applied Power Corporation (APC) is a photovoltaic system integrator and one of the most experienced solar providers in the world. Since 1981, APC has designed and installed thousands of photovoltaic and hybrid systems around the world to become one of the largest system engineering and distribution companies in the solar industry.
BP Solar Homepage BP Solar's technologies are state-of-the-art. Our laser-grooved, "buried-grid" modules incorporate the highest efficiency silicon cells available in commercial volumes today. BP Solar has also achieved a world lead in the development of its "next generation" thin-film technology. BP Solar maintains a global reach through a well-integrated network of manufacturing and customer support operations.
Electrical Battery Storage Deep cycle, rechargeable, long-life battery banks are required in all photovoltaic applications for which there are energy demands other than during sunlight hours. Exceptions are certain grid-connected PV installations, where the utility grid acts in lieu of storage. Another exception is "PV pumped-water-storage" installations, which also acts in lieu of chemical storage batteries. In this configuration, water is pumped uphill, to be released only upon demand, when it is forced across the veins of a low-head-hydro, permanent magnet alternator, thereby creating on-site electricity.
Entech A pioneering solar technology company and the world’s leading manufacturer of concentrating photovoltaic (PV) systems-patented systems producing electricity from sunlight for land-based and space applications.
Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) Offers (mostly) free publications on solar water heating, photovoltaics, energy-efficient buildings, transportation, and lighting. Education programs provide workshops and student information packets to students, teachers, and energy professionals.
Introduction to PV and Competition Photovoltaic (PV) cells produce electricity by converting the sun's energy (photons) directly into electric energy (voltage), yielding a direct current (DC) source for electricity. This is called the PV effect, and it was first observed by Edmund Becquerel, a French physicist in, 1839.
Inverter Testing at Sandia National Laboratories Inverters are key building blocks of photovoltaic (PV) systems that produce ac power. The balance of systems (BOS) portion of a PV system can account for up to 50% of the system cost, and its reliable operation is essential for a successful PV system. As part of its BOS program, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) maintains a laboratory wherein accurate electrical measurements of power systems can be made under a variety of conditions. This paper outlines the work that is done in that laboratory.
Keep It Simple Systems (KISS) Manufacturer of solar chargers for use with portable computers, laptops, cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants, and other small electronic devices. Their solar chargers are built tough for the road warrior who is on the go.
National Photovoltaic Environmental, Health and Safety Assistance Center This website provides information and guidance for the photovoltaic community and interested public based on work funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Photovoltaics Division. The overall objective of the Photovoltaic Environmental, Health and Safety (EH&S) Assessment Program at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) is to identify and examine potential health and safety barriers, and hazard control strategies for new photovoltaic material, process or application options, before their large-scale commercialization.
National Center for Appropriate Technology Provides curriculum guide of experiments, readings, projects, and resource referrals for a course in photovoltaic technology targeted for junior high school and high school science classes.
OnGrid Solar Energy Systems Their goal is to assist the development of solar electric energy.
Photovoltaics: Basic Design Principles and Components If you are thinking of generating your own electricity, you should consider a photovoltaic (PV) system—a way to generate electricity by using energy from the sun. These systems have several advantages: they are cost-effective alternatives in areas where extending a utility power line is very expensive; they have no moving parts and require little maintenance; and they produce electricity without polluting the environment. This publication will introduce you to the basic design principles and components of PV systems. It will also help you discuss these systems knowledgeably with an equipment supplier or system installer. Because this publication is not intended to cover everything about designing and installing a PV system, a list of additional PV resources is provided at the end.
Photovoltaics Info Sheet The term 'photovoltaic' is used to describe the process of generating electricity from light. When a wafer of a semiconductor material such as silicon is 'doped' with a small quantity of boron and then combined with a wafer treated with phosphorus, it forms a positive - negative junction. The wafer is usually deposited onto glass and electrical contacts positioned on the top and bottom When this is exposed to sunlight, it produces useful direct current electrical power.
Photovoltaics Special Research Centre The Centre is a world leader in high efficiency silicon solar cell research and is involved in major commercialization projects for clean, low cost, large scale power generation.
Photovoltaic Systems on Rooftops The Zonnewende project consists of ten houses, five of which have been equipped with PV systems during recent renovations. Originally, all ten houses had solar thermal systems installed on the roofs. Constructed in 1977, the houses were the first in The Netherlands utilizing active solar systems for both hot water and heating.
Photovoltaics: Unlimited Electrical Energy From the Sun Bulk electrical power generation using the available solar energy of a kilowatt per square meter will occur when photovoltaic cells decline in price below 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Photovoltaics - What Is It? A fact sheet about photovoltaic energy and its use in Hawaii.
Public Utilities Supply Solar Energy to Eager Customers Photovoltaic power—it's an alternative source of energy that can help utilities earn goodwill from their customers for being innovative, saving money, and reducing harmful emissions.
PV Power Resource Site This is a site for the coordination and dissemination of information of global photovoltaic (PV) technologies, applications, history, and resources. Photovoltaics is a semiconductor technology that silently converts light energy into direct-current (dc) electricity, with no moving parts, burning no fuel, and creating no pollution.
General | Solar Thermal | Solar Electric (Photovoltaic)
Wind | Hydroelectric | Biomass | Alternative Fuels
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) | Wave Energy
Tidal Energy | Geothermal Energy
Energy - General | Energy Conservation and Efficiency | Renewable Energy
Value/Benefits of Renewable Energy | Utility Integration of Renewables
Sustainable Development | Sustainable Tourism | Village Power/Rural Electrification
Energy Incentive Programs/Financing Alternatives
Energy Economics/Environmental Economics
Avoided Cost Determination/Externalities
Energy Facility Siting and Permitting
Energy and Environmental Education | Environmental Issues
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles | Solar Cars | Human Powered Vehicles
If you have any comments or questions, or recommendations concerning additional information or links to include on this page, contact me at:
David Rezachek