Solar power plant uses the sunlight to produce electricity. Photovoltaic plants and solar thermal systems are the most commonly used solar technologies today.
Any common solar power plant, whether it is home or large industrial power station, consists of the following elements:
1. Solar panels array – their target is to convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic power plants use large areas of photovoltaic cells, known as PV or solar cells, to directly convert sunlight into usable electricity. These cells are usually made from silicon alloys and are the technology most people have become familiar with – chances are you may have one on your roof.
2. On-grid or off-grid Inverter – serves for converting direct current of solar panels or batteries into alternating current used in most household appliances.
3. Batteries – required to store surplus electricity, for later use at night when solar panels are not working. In some cases there is no need to use batteries, for instance, in systems which use all electricity immediately it is inappropriate or too expensive to store power.
4. Other equipment – wires, connections, mounting brackets etc.
The right combination of these elements in accordance with the systems purpose is very important. The right configuration helps to boost the system’s capacity and reduce its cost.
NEOSUN Energy team will be glad to help you to select or to design the right system for you.
Typical diagram of an on-grid solar power station