Semiconductor solar panels. Reference data

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Semiconductor solar panels. Reference data

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A semiconductor p-n junction capable of converting light radiation falling on it into an electric current is called a photocell. If several solar cells are electrically and mechanically combined to work together as a source of electricity, we get a solar battery.

The main materials used to make solar cells are silicon and gallium arsenide. GaAs provides a higher photoconversion efficiency - up to 22% (for Si - about 17%), but it is significantly more expensive than silicon. In addition, the production of silicon is currently the most well mastered. For these reasons, it is the main material for the manufacture of solar panels.

Under the action of light on the p-n junction, the p and n regions of the semiconductor acquire oppositely polarized charges, due to which an open-circuit voltage appears at the terminals of the photocell. If an external circuit with a load is connected to the terminals, current will flow through the load and the photocell, the voltage will decrease, and when the terminals are closed, a short circuit current will flow through the photocell.

The optimal mode will be when the maximum power is allocated to the load. This mode corresponds to the operating voltage at the load and the operating current through it.

Structurally, the solar battery is a flat panel consisting of closely placed photocells and electrical connections, protected from the front side by a transparent hard coating. The number of photocells in the battery can be different, from several tens to several thousand. The panel area of large industrial solar panels can reach thousands of square meters, and the maximum generated power can reach tens of kilowatts.

Small solar panels can serve as energy sources for charging batteries, operating electric motors for various purposes, powering lighting devices and electronic equipment in the field. These batteries are especially effective in regions with a relatively large number of sunny days per year.

Currently, the global power generated by solar installations is 200 MW with a total battery area of 2 million m2.

Leading positions in the world market for the production of solar panels are occupied by Japan, Germany and the United States, which produce up to 70% of all products.

Below are the characteristics of some serial domestic solar installations for various purposes.

In addition to these installations designed to solve specific problems, the domestic industry produces a number of solar modules, from which it is possible to assemble, as from a designer, sources of electrical energy of various capacities. By appropriate switching of the modules, it is possible to change the operating voltage on the load. The parameters of the modules are summarized in the table.

Semiconductor solar panels

OSB

The OSB orientable solar battery consists of two identical panels and a hydromechanical device that ensures that the panels are installed in the position of maximum sun exposure. The battery is mounted on a stable stand.

Semiconductor solar panels

The unit is designed to charge rechargeable batteries with a nominal voltage of 12 V and power electronic equipment.

Rated power, W ..... 80
Operating voltage at the load, V ..... 16,5
Nominal flux of solar energy incident on a photosensitive surface, W/m2.....1000
Photosensitive surface area of one panel, m.....0,42
Battery weight, kg.....16
Working range of ambient temperature, °С.....-60...+80

BSP-10

The solar switchable battery BSP-10 is equipped with a device that allows, by switching groups of solar cells, to obtain different values of the operating voltage. Designed to power measuring and other electronic equipment.

Semiconductor solar panels

Rated power, W ..... 10
Operating voltage at the load, V ..... 4,5; 6; 9; 10,5; 12
Nominal flux of solar energy incident on a photosensitive surface, W/m2.....1000
Photosensitive surface area, cm2..... 1000
Battery weight, kg.....2,8
Working range of ambient temperature, °С.....-40...+80

SEFU

The universal photovoltaic power supply system SEFU consists of 15 solar panels mounted on a stand and a buffer battery connected to them. The system is designed to power sheep shearing equipment, charge external batteries and household power supply in remote pastures. The system can operate in two modes.

Semiconductor solar panels

Rated power, W, in the power mode of the shearing machine.....250
charging external batteries.....200
Operating voltage at the load, V, in the power mode of the shearing machine ..... 41
charging external batteries 16,5
Nominal flux of solar energy incident on the photosensitive surface of panels, W/m2.....1000
Total area of the photosensitive surface of the system, m2.....2,2
Weight of photovoltaic battery, kg.....36
Working range of ambient temperature, °С.....-60...+80

PSE

The PSE portable solar power station consists of two or four panels hinged together in such a way that they can be compactly folded into a travel bag. The station is intended for power supply of radio equipment and measuring devices in hiking trips, geological parties, climbing camps.

Rated power, W, with two panels 50 with four panels.....100
Operating voltage at the load, V ..... 12,5 ± 2
Nominal flux of solar energy incident on the photosensitive surface of panels, W/m2.....1000
The area of the photosensitive surface of one ..... 0,26
Mass of the power plant, kg two-panel ..... 3,8
four-panel ..... 6,8
Working range of ambient temperature, °С.....60...+80

FES-60

Photovoltaic station FES-60 consists of two photosensitive panels mounted on a rigid stand. The station is intended for power supply of honey pumping mechanisms, a water pump, household electrical appliances and transceiver equipment in a mobile apiary.

Rated power, W ..... 80
Operating voltage at the load, V ..... 12
Nominal flux of solar energy incident on a photosensitive surface, W/m2.....600
Rated performance of the pump when lifting water to a height of 7 m, m3 / h ..... 0,5
The area of the photosensitive surface of the panels, m2.....0,84
Station weight, kg.....35
Working range of ambient temperature, °С.....-40...+70

Author: A.Yushin, Moscow

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