Exploring the fundamentals of solar photovoltaic technology and its modelling.

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.