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Advanced technologies and optimization methods in photovoltaics
The concept of photovoltaics (PV) has become a key technology in the energy transition as it provides clean and sustainable energy from sunlight. Advances in PV technologies, including new cell concepts and innovative monitoring systems such as the Hall Effect Current Sensor (HCS Analyzer), are helping to further increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of photovoltaic systems.
Photovoltaics: Clean energy from the sun
Photovoltaic technology converts solar energy directly into electrical energy and is becoming increasingly important worldwide. Photovoltaic systems (PV systems) play a key role in the transition to renewable energies, as they make it possible to convert sunlight into electricity without emissions. The way they work is based on solar modules, which in turn consist of solar cells. These cells generate direct current (DC) by absorbing light, which is then converted into grid-compatible alternating current (AC) by an inverter.
A typical photovoltaic system consists of several components: solar modules, inverters, mounting system, cabling and, if required, a battery storage system. These components work together to ensure an efficient and environmentally friendly energy supply.
Economy and advantages
Photovoltaics has made great progress in recent years in terms of increasing efficiency and reducing costs. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), photovoltaics is now the “cheapest source of electricity in history”, especially for large-scale projects with low-cost financing and high-quality resources. PV systems offer numerous advantages:
- Environmentally friendly power generation: No direct CO₂ emissions.
- Reduction in electricity costs: Reduces dependence on electricity suppliers.
- Increased energy independence: Enables self-sufficiency through electricity from solar energy.
- Longevity: The solar modules have a service life of over 20 years.
- Low maintenance costs: PV systems require little maintenance.
The areas of application for photovoltaics are diverse. It is used for roof installations on private houses, in large open-space systems, as well as for industrial and commercial use. In addition, photovoltaic systems are also used in smaller applications such as balcony power plants.
Photovoltaic technologies
Various technologies are used in photovoltaics, which differ in terms of efficiency, costs and possible applications. The most important are
- Crystalline silicon technologies
- Monocrystalline modules offer a high efficiency of around 15 to 22 %, which makes them particularly suitable for limited roof areas. They have a uniform structure and higher power density.
- Polycrystalline modules are cheaper to produce, but are slightly less efficient. They are well suited for larger areas and offer an economical solution for large systems.
- Advanced technologies
- PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) modules have an additional reflective layer on the back, which increases the light yield and therefore the efficiency. These modules offer a good price-performance ratio.
- N-type modules use n-doped silicon, which offers higher efficiency and better temperature stability. They are also more resistant to light-induced degradation (LID), which makes their long-term performance more stable.
- Special construction methods
- Bi-facial modules can absorb light from both sides and use both direct and reflected light, which enables up to 15-20 % higher energy yield.
- Glass-glass modules have glass layers on both sides, which increases their stability and durability. They are often used in combination with bi-facial or TOPCon technology.
Future prospects and advanced technologies
Research in photovoltaics is developing rapidly with the aim of increasing efficiency and expanding the areas of application. Promising approaches include
- TOPCon technology (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact): A combination of the advantages of PERC and N-type cells that achieves efficiencies of over 25 % and exhibits no light-induced degradation.
- Perovskite solar cells: These cells offer the potential for more cost-effective and efficient modules. Their flexible application makes them particularly interesting for future installations.
- Transparent solar modules: These modules can be integrated into windows and glass façades, which is particularly promising for use in urban areas.
- Heterojunction technology (HJT): This technology combines crystalline and amorphous silicon and enables high efficiency and good temperature resistance.
Indium phosphide and gallium arsenide in photovoltaics
The use of indium phosphide and gallium arsenide in solar cells leads to a significant increase in efficiency compared to conventional silicon solar cells. These materials offer efficiencies of up to 41% and have a broader absorption spectrum. They are also more resistant to UV radiation and high temperatures, which makes them particularly suitable for special applications such as in space travel. However, they are not yet widely used due to the high manufacturing costs. In addition, the use of heavy metals in the cells, in contrast to silicon-based versions, poses a not inconsiderable health and environmental risk when disposing of used cells.
Optimization of photovoltaic systems through the use of the HCS Analyzer
Precise monitoring of the current flow is a decisive factor in optimizing photovoltaic systems. The Hall Effect Current Sensor (HCS Analyzer) enables non-contact and highly accurate measurement of direct and alternating currents on components. By continuously monitoring the current flow in the component in real time, the efficiency of a system can be increased and anomalies detected at an early stage.
- Real-time current monitoring and data analysis: The HCS Analyzer enables continuous monitoring of the current flow. Real-time measurement allows deviations from target values to be detected quickly, which minimizes energy losses and increases efficiency.
- Fault detection and protection mechanisms: The sensor can detect anomalies such as short circuits or overloads at an early stage and thus prevent damage to the system. This not only improves safety, but also extends the service life of the components.
- Increased efficiency: By precisely analyzing the data, the system’s operating parameters can be adjusted to achieve the maximum energy yield.
Case studies and experimental results
Studies have shown that the use of an HCS analyzer can increase the output of photovoltaic systems by up to 10 %. In case studies, a more even power distribution and fewer downtimes were observed following the implementation of an HCS analyzer. The continuous monitoring and adjustment of operating parameters led to a significant reduction in power losses and an increase in the overall efficiency of the systems.
Conclusion
Photovoltaics offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective way of generating electricity. Advances in solar cells and monitoring technologies, such as the Hall Effect Current Sensor (HCS Analyzer), make it possible to further optimize the performance and efficiency of photovoltaic systems. Through real-time monitoring and fault detection, HCS analyzers help to minimize energy losses and increase safety. In the future, photovoltaics will play an even greater role in the global energy supply, particularly through the use of innovative technologies.
