Photovoltaic Power Generation Basics: Green Energy, Promoting Environmental Change, and Creating a Better Future!

01

What is photovoltaic power generation and distributed generation?

 

Photovoltaics, or photovoltaic power generation systems, cleverly utilize the photovoltaic effect of semiconductor materials to efficiently convert solar radiation into electricity. The energy generated by this power generation system is safe, clean, and a renewable green energy source. The entire photovoltaic power generation process causes zero damage and zero pollution to the ecological environment.

 

Distributed generation refers to photovoltaic power plants built near user sites. Operation is primarily based on self-generation and self-consumption by the user, with excess electricity fed into the grid, characterized by balancing adjustments in the distribution system.

 

Distributed generation is a new type of power generation and energy utilization method with broad development prospects. It advocates the principle of on-site power generation, on-site grid connection, on-site conversion, and on-site use. This not only effectively improves the power generation of photovoltaic power plants of the same scale but also effectively solves the problem of power loss during voltage boosting and long-distance transportation.

 

02

What is building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)?

 

 

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is an innovative technology that cleverly integrates solar power generation products into buildings, forming a single unit. This BIPV technology is distinctly different from the traditional method of attaching photovoltaic systems to buildings (BAPV: Building Attached PV).

 

Building-integrated photovoltaics can be divided into two categories: One is the combination of photovoltaic arrays and buildings. The other is the integration of photovoltaic arrays and buildings. Such as photovoltaic tile roofs, photovoltaic curtain walls, and photovoltaic skylights. Among these two methods, the combination of photovoltaic arrays and buildings is a commonly used form, especially the combination with building roofs.

 

03

What are photovoltaic building materials?

 

 

Photovoltaic building materials are an innovative type of building material that cleverly combines solar cells with traditional building materials to form an integrated product, directly applied to the roof, walls, and other enclosing structures of buildings.

 

In photovoltaic buildings, choosing photovoltaic materials as building materials not only gives the building the function of power generation but also retains the original use functions of the building.

 

04

What are the most critical key technologies for building-integrated photovoltaics?

 

Building Materials: Long service life, high application scenarios, easy installation and maintenance;

 

Safety: Electrical safety, structural safety, and standard certification;

 

Waterproofing: System waterproofing, structural drainage, and layered waterproofing;

 

Heat dissipation: Ventilation cavity, heat insulation layer, and insulation layer;

 

Efficiency: Conversion rate, installed capacity, and shading prevention;

 

05

What is "self-generation and self-consumption, with excess electricity fed into the grid"?

 

 

The electricity generated by the photovoltaic power generation system first meets its own load demand. Excess electricity is then sold to the power grid; when the photovoltaic power generation is insufficient to meet the load, the power grid provides supplementary power. This "self-generation and self-consumption, with excess electricity fed into the grid" model not only yields higher returns but also effectively reduces the impact of the photovoltaic system on the large power grid.

 

This operating mode generally uses two metering meters: one is a kilowatt-hour meter that measures the electricity generated by the photovoltaic system; the other is a bidirectional meter that measures the electricity flow to and from the power grid.

 

06

There is a discrepancy between the distributed photovoltaic power generation monitoring data and the meter readings?

 

There is a certain difference (or error) between the power generation measured and calculated by the inverter through sensors and the actual power generation recorded by the meter.

 

One reason is that the metering accuracy of the inverter and the meter are different. The monitoring equipment used in the photovoltaic grid-connected system is often the equipment used by the system construction unit itself, while the meter metering equipment is often installed by the power department. Therefore, different equipment may result in some discrepancies in the data.

 

Second, photovoltaic power generation will have different line losses during transmission. The electric energy measured by the meter at the grid connection point is not the electric energy measured at the inverter output end.

 

However, the error between the two must be controlled within a certain range because excessive error will cause the actual power generation of the photovoltaic system to be low.

 

07

Why does the load prioritize the use of electricity generated by photovoltaics?

 

 

This can be explained using proof by contradiction. Suppose the load prioritizes grid electricity; photovoltaic electricity can only flow to the main grid, but electricity in the same section of the line can only flow in one direction, so photovoltaics will prioritize supplying nearby loads.

 

At the same time, when the photovoltaic power is greater than the load, the photovoltaic voltage is always slightly higher than the grid voltage (depending on the impedance of the line).

 

08

What are the benefits of photovoltaic power generation?

 

The principle of photovoltaic power generation is simple and clear. There is no mechanical movement involved, no fuel is consumed, and no harmful substances, including greenhouse gases, are emitted. It operates silently and causes no environmental pollution.

 

1. Clean Energy:

 

Photovoltaic power generation uses solar energy as an inexhaustible and renewable energy source. It does not emit harmful substances such as carbon dioxide, resulting in zero emissions and contributing to reduced air pollution and climate change.

 

2. Energy Saving and Emission Reduction:

 

By using photovoltaic power generation systems, the demand for traditional fossil fuels can be reduced, thereby reducing reliance on limited resources, saving energy, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

 

3. Long-Term Economic Benefits:

 

Once a photovoltaic power generation system is built and put into use, it can utilize free solar energy resources, effectively reducing energy costs and reducing reliance on the power grid. Moreover, the operating costs of photovoltaic power generation systems remain relatively low for a considerable period, providing users with continuous and stable economic benefits.

 

4. Distributed Generation and Self-Sufficiency:

 

Photovoltaic power generation systems can be distributedly installed on building rooftops, land, and other spaces, generating clean energy locally, reducing transmission losses and the need for grid expansion. Therefore, photovoltaic power generation systems contribute to energy self-sufficiency.

 

 

5. Long lifespan and reliability:

 

The components of photovoltaic power generation systems have a long lifespan and are durable and reliable, with relatively low maintenance costs. With continuous technological advancements, the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic power generation systems are constantly improving.

 

As an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective energy option, photovoltaic power generation shows broad application prospects and injects strong impetus into the sustainable development of society.

 

As long as solar energy exists, electricity can be generated through photovoltaic conversion technology, and solar energy is an inexhaustible and endlessly available natural resource. Compared to traditional energy sources, solar energy is arguably the cleanest and most sustainable energy type.