Unit -I Introduction to Solar PV Systems 1 Mark Questions:

1. What is meant by kilowatt hour (Kwh)?

KWH is the unit for Electrical Energy

2. What are the general classifications of energy sources?

i. Conventional Energy sources ii) Non-Conventional Energy Sources

3. What are the renewable and non-renewable energy sources?

Renewable Energy Sources: Wind Energy, Solar Energy, Hydropower, Biomass, Tidal etc.,
Non-Renewable Energy Sources: Coal, Nuclear, Fossil fuel oil etc.,

4. Expand RES. Ans: Renewable Energy Sources

5. What is the need for renewable energy sources?

The fossil fuel-based energy sources are limited in quantity and also cause environmental pollution.
Therefore, there is a need for renewable (alternative) energy sources which can provide us energy in
a sustainable manner.

6. Define the term Insolation.

The solar insolation is the solar energy received on a flat horizontal surface at a particular location on
earth at a particular instant of time.

7. Define solar irradiation.

It is the energy radiated by the sun. The radiated energy received on earth surface is called solar
irradiation.

8. What is the difference between solar irradiation and solar insolation?

Solar irradiation: The radiated energy received on earth surface is called solar irradiation.
Solar insolation: The solar insolation is the solar energy received on a flat horizontal surface at a
particular location on earth at a particular instant of time.

9. What are factors affecting solar irradiation at site?

Geographic place, Time of day, Time of year, Local landscape, Local climatic conditions.

10. Define depletion region.

The region near the PN junction is depleted of charge carriers (electrons and holes) due to diffusion
across the junction.

11. Define barrier voltage.

The amount of energy required to produce full conduction across the PN junction in forward bias.

12. What is meant by photoelectric effect?

The phenomenon of emission of electrons from the metal surface under the effect of light rays is
known as photo electric effect.

13. Draw the symbol of P-N junction diode.

14. Draw the V-I characteristics of P-N junction diode.

15. Name the basic photovoltaic system component that generates electricity when exposed to sunlight.
Solar Cell or Solar Module or Solar Panel

16. Define a solar cell.

It is device which converts light energy into electrical energy.

17. Define a solar photovoltaic system.

A solar photovoltaic system is made up of the components that convert solar energy into electric energy
suitable for connection to a load.

18. What is the basic Principle of Photovoltaic or "PV" system?

Photovoltaic or "PV" system works on the principles of Photoelectric effect

19. What is the effect of sun light intensity on solar PV module?

A solar PV module current output is proportional to the intensity of solar radiation to which it is exposed.
More intense sunlight will result is greater module output.

20. What are the basic components of a PV system?

Solar Cell

21. What are the major components involved in a photovoltaic system design?
Solar Module, Charge Controller, Battery, Inverter, Connecting leads etc.,

22. What are the types of Photovoltaic system?

i) Stand-alone Solar PV system
ii) OFF Grid Solar PV system
iii) Grid Tied Solar PV system

23. What are types of PV cells?

i) Mono Crystalline ii) Polycrystalline iii) Thin fim

24. What is the difference between a Mono crystalline and a Polycrystalline silicon PV cell?
Mono-crystalline, as the name suggests, is constructed using one single crystal, cut from ingots.

Polycrystalline modules are composed of a number of different crystals, fused together to make a
single cell.
25. Draw the electrical equivalent circuit of solar cell.

26. Which is the most expensive component in solar PV system?

Solar Module

27. What are the different materials used for fabrication of solar cell?
Silicon, Amorphous silicon, Cadmium telluride

28. What do you mean by thin film solar modules?

The term "Thin film solar panels" refers to the fact that these types of solar panels use a much
thinner level of photovoltaic material then mono-crystalline or multi-crystalline solar panels.

29. What are the main applications of solar PV systems?

Lighting, Pumping, Street Light etc.,

30. What are the major advantages of solar PV systems?

i) PV systems are very reliable

ii) PV systems are very durable
iii) PV systems have low maintenance cost
iv) PV systems have no fuel cost
v) PV systems have no pollution
vi) PV systems have no modularity