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PV TECHNOLOGY FOUNDAMENTALS
PV MANUFACTURERS
POWER SUPPLY GROUP/PRESENTATION MARCH 06
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SOLAR POWER OVERVIEW
PV TECHNOLOGY BASICS
3-13
PV MANUFACTURES-PROFILES
14-24
26-50
PV PERIPHERALS
51
THE FUTURE
NANOCRYSTALLINE SOLAR CELLS
52-64
GENERAL OVERVIEW
PV was recognized as an important source of space
power in the 1950s,
Terrestrial PV development began in response to the
1970s oil crises.
Concern for the environment, as well as global efforts
to seek indigenous sources of energy, drives the
investment in PV research and deployment.
Today, PV is a several-billion-dollar industry
worldwide, with more than 520 MW of PV modules
shipped in 2002.
These include large, multi-megawatt installations
feeding into the utility grid, kilowatt rooftop systems
supplying power to a home or business, and single 50or 100-W PV modules on homes in developing
countries.
Photovoltaic
research progresses rapidly from the lab to the market.
.
By Lawrence Kazmerski and Thomas Surek,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
PV technology basics
PV technology basics
Applicable semiconductor materials> Cell Efficiencies
silicon (Si),
gallium arsenide (GaAs),
cadmium telluride (CdTe),
copper indium diselenide (CIS),
hydrogenated amorphous silicon.
There are significant differences between the best performance and the theoretically predicted value
for each material; closing these gaps is the subject of ongoing research (see figure).
PV technology basics
In the case of a single-junction device,
the efficiency of the solar cell, the ratio
of the power produced, and the
incident light power are limited.
PV technology basics
How a PV System Works
PV systems are like any other electrical power generating systems, just the equipment used is different
than that used for conventional electromechanical generating systems.
PV technology basics
Why Are Batteries Used in Some PV Systems?
Batteries are often used in PV systems for the purpose of storing
energy produced by the PV array during the day, and to supply it to
electrical loads as needed (during the night and periods of cloudy
weather).
Other reasons batteries are used in PV systems are to operate the
PV array near its maximum power point, to power electrical loads
at stable voltages, and to supply surge currents to electrical loads
and inverters.
In most cases, a battery charge controller is used in these systems
to protect the battery from overcharge and overdischarge.
In many stand-alone PV
systems, batteries are
used for energy storage.
Figure shows a diagram
of a typical stand-alone
PV system powering DC
and AC loads
PV technology basics
Types of PV Systems
How Are Photovoltaic Systems Classified?
Photovoltaic power systems are
generally classified according to:
component
configurations,
PV technology basics
PV technology basics
The simplest type of stand-alone PV system is a direct-coupled system,
where the DC output of a PV module or array is directly connected to a DC load
Since there is no electrical energy storage (batteries) in direct-coupled systems,
the load only operates during sunlight hours, making these designs suitable for
common applications such as ventilation fans, water pumps, and small
circulation pumps for solar thermal water heating systems.
Matching the impedance of the electrical load to the maximum power output of
the PV array is a critical part of designing well-performing direct-coupled system.
For certain loads such as positive-displacement water pumps, a type of
electronic DC-DC converter, called a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) is
used between the array and load to help better utilize the available array
maximum power output.
Direct-coupled PV system.
PV technology basics
crystalline silicon
The conventional technology that
supports more than 85% of today's
PV market is based on wafers of
crystalline Si.
Production capacities are expected to
more than double in the next three to
five years, and the products are
proven and accepted in the markets.
Single-crystal ingots are pulled from
the melt, or polycrystalline ingots are
cast in a crucible that is consumed in
the process. Technical advances
include the growth of ingots as big as
300 kg, the growth of multiple ingots
with melt replenishment, and the
reduction of consumable materials
and energy costs. Significant R&D
effort has been focused on reducing
defects, improving doping, and
automating the growth process. Still,
for single-crystal Si, the best
commercial module efficiencies
are only about 15%.
of
of
diffused
PV technology basics
Si ribbon and sheet technologies,
which avoid the cost and material
losses associated with slicing
ingots, are the first of the new PV
technologies to be commercialized.
About 6% of today's PV modules
are made using these methods.
Most notable are the edge-defined,
film-fed growth process, the string
ribbon process, and the Si-film
process (growth of a high-speed,
continuous Si sheet of a variety of
substrates). Cell and module
efficiencies are similar to those
for polycrystalline Si wafers
from ingotsabout 12% at best
with somewhat lower
efficiencies for the smallgrained sheet materials.
Ongoing incremental
improvements will probably reduce
manufacturing costs and increase
module performance, keeping
these technologies as the mainstay
of PV markets for years to come.
Thin-Film Photovoltaics
Thin-film photovoltaic modules are
manufactured by depositing ultra-thin layers of
semiconductor material on a glass or thin
stainless-steel substrate in a vacuum chamber.
A laser scribing process is used to separate
and weld the electrical connections between
individual cells in a module.
Thin-film photovoltaic materials offer great
promise for reducing the materials
requirements and manufacturing costs for PV
modules and systems.
PV technology basics
Pros and Cons of PV
Photovoltaic systems have a number of merits and unique
advantages over conventional power-generating technologies.
PV systems can be designed for a variety of
applications and operational requirements, and
can be used for either centralized or distributed
power generation.
PV systems have no moving parts, are modular, easily
expandable and even transportable in some cases.
Energy independence and environmental compatibility
are two attractive features of PV systems.
The fuel (sunlight) is free, and no noise or pollution is created
from operating PV systems. In general, PV systems that are
well designed and properly installed require minimal
maintenance and have long service lifetimes.
At present, the high cost of PV modules and equipment (as
compared to conventional energy sources) is the primary
limiting factor for the technology. Consequently, the
economic value of PV systems is realized over many years. In
some cases, the surface area requirements for PV arrays may
be a limiting factor. Due to the diffuse nature of sunlight and
the existing sunlight to electrical energy conversion
efficiencies of photovoltaic devices, surface area
requirements for PV array installations are on the order of 8 to
12 m^2 (86 to 129 ft^2) per kilowatt of installed peak array
capacity.
Toll Free:
800-510-4815
Phone:
781-275-6000
http://www.spirecorp.com/spiresolar/turnkeymoduleproductionlines/index.php
Fax:
781-275-7470
Email:
email@spirecorp.com
http://www.spirecorp.com/spiresolar/turnkeymoduleproductionlines/index.php
Awning Systems
Spire manufactured and retrofitted two BIPV systems for
a commercial building that serves as a vital community
center. The systems include a 25-kilowatt roof tile
system and a 7-kilowatt awning system.
PV manufacturers> Spire
How much roof space do I need for a PV system?
A typical PV system requires about 100 square feet for
every kilowatt installed on a pitched roof, and up to 200
square feet per kilowatt on a flat roof. PV systems should
be installed facing south for maximum electricity
production.
The capacity of a PV system is stated in terms
of the number of watts, kilowatts, or
megawatts it can produce in standard
sunlight conditions. For example, in the city of
Chicago, Illinois, U.S., Spire has installed solar
modules for which each kilowatt (kW) of PV
capacity produces about 1,200 - 1,400 kilowatthours per year, depending on the angle at
which the panels are mounted.
The electricity you purchase from the utility is
measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Most singlefamily homes in the U.S. use 20 kWh or more
per day. A refrigerator uses 1.2 kWh per day
and a computer uses 2.4 kWh per 8-hour
workday.
Spire's in-house manufacturing provides exceptional
flexibility to produce unique BIPV modules to meet
almost any specifications and design requirements. Spire
has extensive experience working through the US Green
Building Council and working with architects, designers and
builders
to produce BIPV systems for integration into LEED-certified
buildings.
Let Spire produce your next custom BIPV modules. Contact
Spire at pvsales@spirecorp.com to discuss your
manufacturing needs.
Spire general facts
PV manufacturers> Evergreen
138 Bartlett Street | Marlboro, MA 01752-3016 USA |
TL: +1.508.357.2221 | FX: +1.508.229.0747
www.evergreensolar.com
PV manufacturers> Evergreen
PV manufacturers> Sunpower
Our Company headquarters and
research and development facilities
are located in Sunnyvale,
California, the heart of Silicon
Valley.
SunPower Solar
SunPower Corporation designs, manufactures
and sells high efficiency solar cells and solar
panels that generate electricity from sunlight for
residential, commercial and remote power
applications.
Our proprietary all back contact silicon solar cell
technology produces up to 50% more power per
square foot compared to conventional solar cells.
PV manufacturers LEADER IN
EFFIENCY
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/bpsolar.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/evsopa.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/geensopa.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/innergy.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/globalsolarenergyflexiblesolarpanels.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/issopa.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/martrix.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/kyocera.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/mitsubishielectricsolarpanels.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/ase.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/siemens.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/unisolar.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/yingli.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/sasopa.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/sunwize.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/kaneka.html
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/iowathinfilm.html
***Unavailable in 2005***
BP Solar BP-4170S, 170 Watt Solar Panel
1561 Your price: $999.00 pad
BP Solar BP-4170S, 170 Watt Solar Panel
Mechanical Specifications
Dimensions (LxWxD): 62.8 x 31.1 x 1.97 inches (1595x790x50) mm
Weight: 34 lbs (15.4kg)
Solar Cells: 72 cells in a 6x12 matrix connected in series
Output Cables: MC Connectors RHW AWG# 12 cable with polarized
weatherproof DC rated connectors
Diodes: Three 9A, 45V Schottky by-pass diodes included
Construction: Front: High-transmission 3mm (1/8th inch) tempered
glass; Back: Tedlar; Encapsulant: EVA
Frame: Rugged clear anodized aluminum alloy type universal frame
Limited Warranty: 25 years
Quality and Safety Listings
ESTI, CE, TUV, UL Listed
Note: These panels must ship via truck freight due to size. Please call
or email for a shipping quote and to order.
Most expensive
170 watt- 999.00
50Watt=354.00
40watt+353.00
65 watt 457.
30Watt 259.00
60 watt 462.00
20watt 234.00
Cheapest
10 watt Solar panel- 149.00
Electrical Specifications
Maximum Power: 115 Watts
Voltage @ Power Maximum: 17.3 Volts
Current @ Power Maximum: 6.65 Amps
Open-circuit Voltage: 21.5 Volts
Short-Circuit Current: 7.26 Amps
No. of Cells: 72
Max. Series Fuse: 15 Amps
UL System Voltage Rating: 600V
TUV System Voltage Rating: 800V
Mechanical Specifications
Length: 62.5"/1588 mm
Width: 25.69"/653 mm
Depth: 1.39"/35 mm
Weight: 28 lbs/12.7 kg
Safety and Quality Tests
IEC 1215 (IEC 503, ISPRA) Certified
UL Listed, Class C Fire Rating
TUV Safety Class II Certified
CE
http://www.affordablesolar.com/affordablesolar/gsesolarapps.html
Applications
Water pumping
Communications
Outdoor lighting
Rural electrification
Recreational vehicles
Stand-alone or grid-connected AC
applications
Electrical Characteristics
Nominal Voltage: 24 volt
Maximum Power: 150 W
Short-Circuit Current: 4.45 Amps
Open Circuit Voltage: 43.2 Volts
Maximum Power Current: 4.35 Amps
Maximum Power Voltage: 34.6 Volts
Physical Characteristics
Cell type: 125 mm Mono Crystal
Number of cells: 72
Length: 1224mm/48.19"
Width: 1047mm/41.22"
Depth: 39.5mm/1.56"
Weight: 17.0kg/37.5 lb
Type of Output Terminal: J-box with MC
cables
Certifications
IEC 61215 Certified
UL Listing, Class C Fire Rating
T Safety Class II Certified
CEC Rating: 134.3
Warranty: 25 years
Note: Minimum order of 4 panels. These
panels must ship via truck due to size.
Please call for a shipping quote and to
order. There is a quantity price break if you
are ordering 20+ panels.
Applications
* Residential roof top system
* Large commercial grid tie system
* Water Pumping Systems
* High Voltage stand alone systems
Specifications:
Max Power: 190 Watts
Max Voltage: 26.1 Volts
Max Current: 7.28 Amps
Dimensions (LxWxD): 56.2"x39"x1.4"
Weight: 40.7 pounds
Electrical Data
Power (max): 270 Watts
Voltage: 49.5 Volts
Current: 5.45 Amps
Open-circuit voltage: 60.0 Volts
Short-circuit Current: 6.1 Amps
Dimensions and Weights
Length: 74.5"/1892.3 mm
Width: 50.5"/1282.7 mm
Weight: 107 (+/- 5) lbs/46.6 (+/- 2) kg
Area: 26.13 ft sq/ 2.43 sq meters
Characteristic Data
Solar cells per panel: 216
Type of solar cell: Semi-crystalline solar cells (EFG process)
Connections: 10 AWG single conductor, stranded copper with
Multi-Contact connector. Junction box comes with 6 built-in
bypass diodes.
Certifications and Warranty
The ASE-270-DGF/50 has been independently certified to IEC
1215 and IEEE 1262, UL 1703 (Class A Fire rating)
The ASE-270-DGF-50 comes with a 20 year power warranty.
More Reliability
* Bypass diode protection for every 18 solar cells in series, thus minimizing power
loss, and mitigating overheating/safety problems
* Advanced encapsulation system ensures steady long-term panel performance
by eliminating degradation associated with traditional EVA-encapsulated panels
* A weather barrier system on both sides of the panel protects against tears,
perforations, fire, electrical conductivity, delamination and moisture
* Patented no-lead, high-reliability soldering system guarantees long life and
ensures against environmental harm should the panel break or be discarded
Higher Quality
* Each of the panel's 216 individual semi-crystalline silicon cells is inspected and
power matched to ensure consistent performance between panels
* Every panel is tested utilizing a calibrated solar simulator to ensure that the
electrical ratings are within the specified tolerance for power, voltage and current
* Panel-to-panel wiring loss is factored into the panel's labeled electrical ratings
by testing through the panel's cable/connector assemblies
ASE-300-DGF/50,
285 watt
$1,334.00
ASE-300-DGF/50,
300 Watt Solar
Panel
$1,404.00
ASE-300-DGF/50,
315 Watt Solar Panel
$1,329.00
Insulated Facade
Opaque Cladding
Sharp 208 Watt Solar Panel SHARP NT-185U1, 185 Watt Solar Panel
$882.00
$969.00
SHARP NE-165U1,
165 Watt Solar Panel
price: $727.00
Sharp ND-N0ECU,
140 Watt Solar Panel
$669.00
Sharp ND-070ERU,
70 Watt Solar Panel Right
Triangle
$429.00
Sharp ND-070ELU,
70 Watt Solar Panel Left Triangle
$429.00
Features
Left and right triangular modules offer greater flexibility and
greater integration for roofline aesthetics
High-power module (70W) using 21 square multi-crystal
silicon solar cells with 13.44% cell conversion efficiency
Bypass diode minimizes the power drop caused by shade
Black anodized aluminum frame and "L" hook design located
along frame perimeter for easy integration with residential
sytem mounting hardware
Water white, tempered glass, EVA laminate, and a weatherproof film yield long-life modules while enhancing cell
performance
Nominal 7 VDC output is ideal for residential system
applications
Manufactured in ISO 9001 certified facilities
25-year limited warranty on power output
Electrical Characteristics
Cell: Multi-crystal silicon
No. of Cells and Connections: 21 in series
Open Circuit Voltage (Voc): 12.43 Volts
Max. Power Voltage (Vpm): 9.98 Volts
Short Circuit Current (Isc): 7.81 Amps
Maximum Power Current (Ipm): 7.02 Amps
Maximum Power (Pm): 70 Watts
Minimum Power (Pm): 63 Watts
Encapsulated Solar Cell Efficiency: 13.44%
PTC Rating (W): 61.46 Watts
Maximum System Voltage: 600VDC
Series Fuse Rating: 15 Amps
Type of Output Terminal: Lead Wire with MC Connector
Mechanical Characteristics
Dimensions: 45.86" x 38.98" x 1.81" (1165mm x 990mm x
46mm)
Weight: 26.9lbs/12.2kg
Packing Configuration: 2 pcs per carton
Model
Nominal Power (W)
OC Voltage (V)
SC Current (A)
Voltage in mpp (V)
Current in mpp (A)
Weight (kg)
Dimensions (mm)
GEA / GSA
60
92
1.19
67
0.9
13.7
990x960x40
Highlights:
*
*
*
*
*
*
GEA
GSA
- IEC61646
- Safety Class II equipment
- CE mark UL Listed
- CEC registered
*25 Year Power Output Warranty
GEA/GSA PV module will maintain more than 80% of
minimum rated power for 25 years (based on data from
silicon PV modules installed over a month under
conditions of 25C, A.M. 1.5 and 100mW / cm2).
Kaneka 60 Watt Solar Modules
$269.00
15.4
1.2
1.9
12x4.25x4.5
12x73
KONARKA