Electricity

from photovoltaic systems

Bosch Solar Energy

2|Electricity from PV systems

Electricity from PV systems

how does it work?
Photovoltaics: This is the name given to direct conversion of radiant energy,
primarily sunlight, into electrical energy. In short: solar power. The name
itself is composed of the roots 'photos' the Greek word for light and
Volta, an homage to Alessandro Volta, a pioneer in the field of electrical
engineering.
For a PV system, the solar electricity is

the alternating current used on the

generated using solar cells that capture

power grid. The volume of electricity

the sunlight and convert it to electrical

produced depends on the length and

energy. A PV system typically includes

intensity of sunlight falling on the system

multiple solar modules, each containing

and the type and quality of solar cells

solar cells that are installed and wired

and components used within the solar

together. An inverter is wired to the PV

module.

system to convert the direct current into

Principle function of a PV System

2
1

5
4

Solar generator

Generator connection box

Inverter

Meter

Grid connection

Electricity from PV systems|3

Modern photovoltaic systems can be

good investment for private homes. PV

used on buildings or stand alone sys-

systems also make an important contri-

tems and can endure extreme weather

bution to environmentally friendly energy

conditions such as rain, storms and hail.

supply.

They are long lasting and represent a

Figures Units Terms

Kilowatt (kW):
Measure of output. For example, the sun radiates an output of
1kW per square meter and hour of sunshine onto the earth's surface. (1kW
1000 Watt)
Kilowatt hours (kWh):
Measure for energy corresponding to the electrical output of one kilowatt that is
applied for one hour (1kW x 1 hour).
Wp/kWp:
The size of a PV system is typically not defined in square meters, but rather in
terms of its rated electrical output. This output is cited under standard conditions and in watts Wp or kilowatts kWp (The p stands for 'peak').

Difference from solar thermal: A solar thermal system uses the sun's energy to
capture heat, which is then used for heating or warm water supply.

4|Electricity from PV systems

What's the best way

to get optimal results?
Some of the factors that dictate the

as it falls on the PV system's location. The

energy yield for a PV system cannot be

map of sun intensity in Germany indicates

influenced. This includes natural condi-

the annual radiation level that vary in

tions such as the number of hours of

intensity in different locations across the

sunshine and the intensity of the sunshine

country.

Map of sun intensity in Germany

The radiation volume in Germany totals between 981 and 1200 kilowatt hours (kWh) per square meter and year. That's the
same amount of energy that is produced by 100 liters of fuel oil.
Annual total in kWh/m2

1181 1200
1161 1180
1141 1160
1121 1140
1101 1120
1081 1100
1061 1080
1041 1060
1021 1040
1001 1020
981 1000

The sun map is based on values provided by the German Weather Service (www.dwd.de). No responsibility assumed for correctness of the information. Updated: 12.2010

Electricity from PV systems|5

Having these conditions it is possible to

to be converted into useable electrical

achieve optimal capturing of the energy.

energy. This requires professional evalua-

That means that the existing sunlight

tion and meticulous layouting by a quali-

should hit the solar cells optimally to

fied PV systems technician:

enable as much of the sunlight as possible

Roof orientation
Under optimal conditions the modules should be oriented toward the
south. If this is not possible, then the following rule of thumb applies:
The closer to south, the better the chances for optimal capture of
energy. Hence, the stronger the tilt of the module, the stronger the
effect of the orientation for the ultimate energy generation.

Roof pitch
The energy output from a PV system is statistically at its highest
when the sunlight hits the solar cells at a right angle. The optimal
tilt for fixed PV modules in Germany is 28 30 degrees. In general
PV systems should be tilted between 20 60 degrees. The tilt
angle can be adjusted using elevation systems.

Shading*
Architectural and topographic factors that lead to shadows falling on
the solar module reduce the energy generation and should
be avoided.

Each factor (roof orientation, roof pitch and shadows) has an impact on the rated top
output of the solar unit in proportion to its deviation from ideal conditions.

*The manufacturer's respective installation instructions provide detailed information about the effects of shadows on
the solar module.

6|Electricity from PV systems

Clean, safe, independent

the benefits of photovoltaic systems
PV systems offer independence from

issue; it also cuts your current energy

fossil fuels

costs. PV systems make your own elec-

Oil, coal and gas are growing more

tricity supply more secure and forecast-

scarce and expensive. Those willing to

able for the long term. That cuts your

take the step to produce their own free

energy costs for the long run.

and clean energy from the sun are gaining independence from fossil fuels and

PV systems are unbeatably clean

atomic power, and also dont have to

Running your own PV system will

worry about the anticipated price

improve your household's CO2 balance,

increases by energy utilities. Photovol-

which promotes both the coming swi-

taic systems are a secure investment in

tchover to cleaner energy and with it a

and for the future.

healthier environment. Solar power

offers numerous benefits, since the PV

PV systems cut energy costs and

system converts the sunshine directly

deliver long-term planning security

into electricity without the hazardous

The use of solar power does more than

byproducts involved in conventional

just make future price increases by

power generation.

traditional electrical utilities into a minor

Self-consumption pays off!

The sinking feed-in tariffs combined with constantly climbing electricity prices make self-consumption an
important factor for the profitability of PV systems. The key is to increasingly use as much of the solar
power you generate as possible to cover your own needs.
Self-consumption of solar power has positive effects in a variety of ways:

Independence

Future security

Potential savings

Increase of savings effects

For more information on this topic, please read our brochure "Self-consumption of solar power."

Electricity from PV systems|7

PV systems pay for themselves

system operator receives a fixed com-

PV systems pay themselves off over the

pensation for solar power fed into the

course of their service lives in two ways.

grid. After amortization the point

The first is through feed-in tariffs for the

where the system has earned back the

local distribution grid; the second is

money it costs it then begins deliver-

through a reduction in energy costs by

ing long-term yields. You earn through

using the power you create on your own.

the sun.

The first factor involves a fixed price for

each kWh of electricity that is fed into

Self-consumption of solar power

the general power grid, starting from the

Self-consumption of solar power is

first year of operation and running for 20

the portion of the energy that is directly

years thereafter. Depending on the

consumed at home, like when

location and size of the system, the

you run your own washing machine.

Self-consumption of solar power

8|Electricity from PV systems

Photovoltaics
Energy generation with a positive balance
Energy Pay-Back Time

required to produce it. A misconception

In photovoltaics, as with the entire field

stubbornly maintains that PV modules

of energy engineering, the 'Energy Pay-

don't produce as much energy that was

Back Time' describes the period

required to manufacture them.

required by the PV system to generate

The state of production technology and

the same volume of energy as was

processes for monocrystalline modules

Energy pay-back time in years

Average energy pay-back time for monocrystalline PV modules in European
mass production, 2009/2010.
Units: years

Mono

0,18

0,75

0,95 1,18 1,27

The energy pay-back time for

solar cells thus totals approx. 1
year, 3 months. That means
that a solar cell generates the
same amount of energy during
that time as was used to produce it, including the raw and
semi-finished products.

Silicon raw materials

Wafer
Cells
Laminate without frame
Frame

(Source: UPDATE OF ENERGY PAYBACK TIME DATA FOR CRYSTALLINE SILICON PV MODULES, Dr. Thomas Wetzel,
Florian Feuerstein, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT)

Electricity from PV systems|9

as practiced during 2009 and 2010

facture it in under one and a half years.

translate into an energy pay-back time of

Nor has the effort ceased to drop that

1.27 years.

number even further. Quite the con-

That means that a monocrystalline solar

trary, we're working continiously to

module from Bosch will produce as

improve our products and the pro-

much energy as was required to manu-

cesses used to manufacture them.

Ratio of energy consumption to energy yield

Yield (kWh):

Energy payback time

Energy produced
by a solar module
during its lifetime

Service life of a module

(t)
The energy pay-back time and energy yield, regarded over a service life of 25 years, stand in a 1.27:25 ratio.

(Source: UPDATE OF ENERGY PAYBACK TIME DATA FOR CRYSTALLINE SILICON PV MODULES, Dr. Thomas Wetzel,
Florian Feuerstein, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT)

10|Electricity from PV systems

Environmental protection
on the roof?
Active and sustainable protection of

Energy does more than just contribute to

our climate and environment with PV

sustainable energy and environmental

systems

policies. It also draws its suppliers and

Each installed PV system achieves a drop

production processes into the equation.

in CO2 emissions compared with conven-

During the supplier selection process,

tional energy generation, meaning an

each potential Bosch supplier must

active and sustainable protection of the

agree in writing to adhere to transparent,

environment.

binding standards. Bosch Solar Energy

also uses the conditions present at its

Environmentally sound and sustainable

production facilities to protect and

production location

preserve the environment. The large

Through its products, Bosch Solar

plant in Arnstadt, for example, uses solar

Reduction of the CO2 emissions

Rooftop system
South orientation

Creates 2680 kWh electricity annually

Family of 4

Corresponds to washing
17868 kg of laundry

Corresponds to 1580 kg Co2 savings

Solar unit: Stuttgart, rooftop system, south facing 30, 10 c-Si M 60, 4 person household
CO2 emissions per kWh of conventional power production: 0.59 kg
(Source: Internationales Wirtschaftsforum Regenerative Energien (IWR))

Electricity from PV systems|11

energy to heat showers for the employ-

mized, leading to reductions in emis-

ees, while waste heat from

sions, energy consumption and CO2

production is used to heat the buildings.

release. A professional filtering of all

Not surprisingly, open spaces, roofs and

unavoidable wastewater and emissions is

facades are used for the installation of

also a standard part of our processes,

PV systems. The production processes

with monitoring around the clock at

are also constantly monitored and opti-

multiple locations.

Quality and sustainability are given top priority at Bosch, even when our
products reach the end of their life cycle. This applies in particular for legal
specifications about environment protection. For the PV cycle, for example,
we are committed to an industry-wide recycling program for old modules
and invest large amounts in R&D to ensure that future products will be
even more environmentally friendly.

Recycling procedures

Separation of
cardboard,wood
and plastic

T hermal
utilization

Separation of
copper, glass,
steel

Solar module

Raw materials

Chemical
handling

Solar energy

Your specialist installation company

will be delighted to help you further!
The high quality of Bosch Solar Energy solar modules forms the essential
basis for long-term high energy yields above all, they play an important

Bosch Solar Energy AG

Robert-Bosch-Strasse 1
99310 Arnstadt
Germany
Tel. +49 (0)361 2195-0
Fax +49 (0)361 2195-1133
www.bosch-solarenergy.com

You can get more information about solar energy from:

Printed on 100% recycled paper. Updated 05/2012

role in protecting our environment.