Abstract:
Despite the progressive adoption of solar technology as a reliable alternative power
supply, there is a lack of expertise in handling solar systems installation and even
understanding the basic concepts on the operation of solar photovoltaic technology. This
chapter presents the basic concepts of solar energy and the availability of the solar
resource; it also describes the concept of PV cells, modules, array with their
characteristics and provides a technique for modelling PV cell operation under
Matlab/Simulink. Furthermore, the chapter explains essential parameters to consider
when selecting a PV module for a specific application. This chapter demystifies the myth
on solar photovoltaic technology and provides all needed information on the basics of
solar technology and its modelling in a very simple manner.
