What topics are covered in a photovoltaic lecture?

Lectures cover commercial and emerging photovoltaic technologies and cross-cutting themes, including conversion efficiencies, loss mechanisms, characterization, manufacturing, systems, reliability, life-cycle analysis, Fundamentals of photoelectric conversion: charge excitation, conduction, separation, and collection.

How do you ground mount a PV system?

Two common methods of ground mounting PV systems are racks and poles. Some pole mounts may also have the ability to track the sun across the sky. Another method of ground-mounting is a patio cover. This provides shade to the patio area without taking up valuable yard space. It also provides an alternative to roof mounting.

Can a PV system be installed on a house?

PV is very modular. You can install as small or as large a PV system as you need. Example: One can install a PV module on each classroom for lighting, put PV power at a gate to run the motorized gate-opener, put PV power on a light pole for street lighting, or put a PV system on a house or building and supply as much energy as wanted.

What are the basic principles of photoelectric conversion?

Fundamentals of photoelectric conversion: charge excitation, conduction, separation, and collection. Lectures cover commercial and emerging photovoltaic technologies and cross-cutting themes, including conversion efficiencies, loss mechanisms, characterization, manufacturing, systems, reliability, life-cycle analysis,

How many volts does a PV module produce?

Cell: The basic photovoltaic device that is the building block for PV modules. All modules contain cells. Some cells are round or square, while thin film PV modules may have long narrow cells. Cells are too small to do much work. They only produce about 1/2 volt, and we usually need to charge 12 volt batteries or run motors.

How does light penetrate a PV cell?

This picture looks at a cross-section of a PV cell. Light actually penetrates into the cell, it doesn’t just bounce off the surface. Particles of light called “photons” bounce into negatively charged electrons around the silicon atoms of the cell, and knock these electrons free from their silicon atoms.