Solar Photovoltaic (PV) is a method of converting solar irradiation in to direct current electricity using semiconductor that exhibit the Photovoltaic Effect. Photovoltaic power generation employs solar panels composed of a number of solar cells containing a photovoltaic material. Materials presently used for photovoltaic include monocrystalline silicon, poly crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenite/sulfide (CIGS) Due to the growing demand for renewable energy sources, the manufacturing of solar cells and photovoltaic system has advanced considerably in recent years.Driven by advances in technology and increases in manufacturing scale and sophistication, the cost of photovoltaic has declined steadily since the first solar cells were manufactured and the leveled cost of electricity (LCOE) from PV is competitive with conventional electricity sources in an expanding list of geographic regions. Net Metering and financial incentives, such as preferential feed-in tariffs for solar-generated electricity, have supported solar PV installations in many countries.
Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Solar energy production does not require fossil fuels and is therefore less dependent on this limited and expensive natural resource.
Environmental Advantages: Solar power production generates electricity with a limited impact on the environment as compared to other forms of electricity production.
Matching Peak Time Output with Peak Time Demand: Solar energy can effectively supplement electricity supply from an electricity transmission grid, such as when electricity demand peaks in the summer.
Modularity and Scalability: As the size and generating capacity of a solar system are a function of the number of solar modules installed, applications of solar technology are readily scalable and versatile.
Government Incentives: A growing number of countries have established incentive programs for the development of solar and other renewable energy sources, such as (i) net metering laws that allow on-grid end users to sell electricity back to the grid at retail prices, (ii) direct subsidies to end users (iii) low interest loans for financing solar power systems and tax incentives; and (iv) government standards that mandate minimum usage levels of renewable energy sources.
