| PV Technology |
PV ExplainedPhotovoltaic energy is the conversion of sunlight into electricity through a photovoltaic (PV) cell, commonly called a solar cell. A photovoltaic cell is a non-mechanical device usually made from silicon alloys. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of energy. These photons contain various amounts of energy corresponding to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. When photons strike a photovoltaic cell, they may be reflected, pass right through, or be absorbed. Only the absorbed photons provide energy to generate electricity. When enough sunlight (energy) is absorbed by the material (a semiconductor), electrons are excited and dislodged from the material's atoms. Warming is caused by the exciting of electrons, bouncing back and forth creating friction and therefore heat. The solar cell merely takes a percentage of these electrons and directs them to flow in a path. This flow of electrons is, by definition, electricity. Wire conducts the electricity to batteries where it is stored until needed. On the way to the batteries, the electrical current passes through a controller which will shut off the flow when the batteries become full. For some appliances, electricity can be used directly from the batteries. This is "direct current" and it powers "DC" appliances such as car headlights, flashlights, portable radios, etc. To run most appliances found in the home, however, we need to use "alternating current" or "AC", the type of electricity which is found in wall sockets. This we can produce utilizing an inverter which transforms DC electricity from the batteries into AC. The inverter's AC output powers the circuit breaker box and the common outlets in your home. The performance of a photovoltaic array is dependent upon sunlight. Climate conditions (e.g. clouds, fog) have a significant effect on the amount of solar energy received by a PV array. University of TorontoARISE and the University of Toronto have been developing a new photovoltaic technology that will significantly reduce the cost of solar generated electricity. ARISE is developing a manufacturing strategy with world class partners to develop a whole supply chain to reduce cost from a systems standpoint and increase the cost effectiveness of solar. This program will increase the supply of electricity, improve the environment and create jobs in Ontario.
The costs associated with manufacturing solar cells continue to decline, while their performance rates continue to increase. Photovoltaic (PV) materials produce electricity when exposed to sunlight. PV solar panels are used to generate pollution-free electricity. ARISE's PV modules which are under development will convert solar electricity directly into electricity through silicon cells.  DC Saddle Field Whitepapers
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