Solar power electricity production

How is solar power generated?

Solar power is generated in two main ways: Solar photovoltaic (PV) uses electronic devices, also called solar cells, to convert sunlight directly into electricity. It is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy technologies and is playing an increasingly important role in the global energy transformation.

How is solar energy used in electricity production?

Finally, solar energy is used in electricity production either by the means of large-scale power plants or building installations. Generally, three main technologies are adopted for electricity generation, namely thermal, photovoltaics, and hybrid thermal photovoltaic.

How do solar cells produce electricity?

Solar radiation may be converted directly into solar power (electricity) by solar cells, or photovoltaic cells. In such cells, a small electric voltage is generated when light strikes the junction between a metal and a semiconductor (such as silicon) or the junction between two different semiconductors. (See photovoltaic effect.)

How does a solar photovoltaic system generate electricity?

A solar photovoltaic system produces electricity directly from the sun’s light through a series of physical and chemical reactions known as the photovoltaic effect.

Does a solar PV system generate more electricity a year?

A solar PV system on the south coast of England will generate more electricity annually than one of a similar size, orientation, and inclination in the north of Scotland.

How do solar thermal systems generate electricity?

A solar thermal system generates electricity indirectly by capturing the heat of the sun to produce steam, which runs a turbine that produces electricity. Human ingenuity has developed two different ways how to harvest the energy of the sun and turn it into electricity: Solar thermal systems and Solar photovoltaic systems.