Photovoltaic’s (PV)
Photovoltaic is the term used to refer to the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity using solar cell technology. Simply put, solar cells convert solar radiation into electricity through semi-conducting material such as silicon. When sunlight hits the solar cell, electrons are knocked loose from their atoms creating small amounts of electrical current which can be captured and harnessed. When solar cells are combined into larger systems, called modules, they produce a significant amount of useable power with no moving parts, noise, or emissions. Modules are typically grouped together to form an array, which, combined with conductors and electrical components forms a PV system.
The power produced from solar cells comes in the form of direct current (DC) power and in order to be usable with most electrical loads the DC power needs to be converted into alternative current (AC) power. An inverter is the electrical component of a PV system that converts the DC power produced from solar modules into grid-quality AC power. This AC power can then be sold directly to the utility-grid to pay off the system cost and provide the system owner with a reasonable return on their investment.
MODULES
Photovoltaic modules or panels are made of semiconductors that convert sunlight directly into electricity. PV modules provide a safe, reliable, maintenance- free and environmentally friendly source of power for a very long time.
INVERTERS
PV cells generate direct current (DC), but most common appliances require alternating current (AC). An inverter is used to convert low-voltage DC to higher voltage AC. As the core intelligence centre of a solar PV system, the inverter can convert the DC output from the array to AC power that can be synchronized with the local utility. This feature makes it possible to sell electricity directly back to the grid.
BALANCE OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The remaining electrical and mechanical components of a PV system are known as the balance of system components (BOS). Mechanical components include fasteners, brackets, enclosures, racks, and other structural supports. Electrical components include conductors, cables, conduits, junction boxes, enclosures, connectors, and terminations needed to make circuit connections between modules, disconnects, inverters, meters, and other electrical systems and equipment.
Grid-tied PV Systems
Greening Ontario
These systems are becoming more common as Ontario moves towards an increasingly decentralized electrical network. Instead of power being generated in central locations, like a nuclear facility or coal plant, power is generated closer to where it is needed. Over time, decentralized systems will reduce the need to increase the capacity of transportation and distribution lines, thus saving ratepayers extra costs on their utility bills.
A grid-tied system generates its own electricity and feeds power into the utility grid for later use. The utility grid acts like a storage device, eliminating the need for a battery bank to store excess power. You can still use battery banks to provide backup power when the grid goes down, but they are not required. This is especially appealing to homeowners getting paid for the electricity they produce, as they now are capable of selling all their power directly to the grid.