Samlex Solar SCC-30AB Mode D'emploi page 10

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GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PV / SOLAR SYSTEM
PV Cell Types
PV cells are most commonly made of Silicon, and come in two varieties, crystalline and
thin-film type, as detailed in Table 2.1
Cell types include Mono-crystalline Silicon, Poly-crystalline Silicon, Amorphous Silicon
(a-Si), Gallium Arsenide (GaAs), Copper Indium Diselenide (CuInSe2, „CIS"), Cadmium
Telluride, or a combination of two materials in a tandem cell.
Mono Crystalline Si
Pros High efficiency
Increased manufacturing cost caused by the
Cons
Amorphous Si
Pros
Cons Low efficiency
PV Module / Panel and PV Array
To increase their utility, a number of individual PV cells are interconnected together
in a sealed, weatherproof package called a Panel (Module). For example, a 12 V Panel
(Module) will have 36 cells connected in series and a 24 V Panel (Module) will have 72
PV Cells connected in Series.
To achieve the desired voltage and current, Modules are wired in series and parallel
into what is called a PV Array. The flexibility of the modular PV system allows
designers to create solar power systems that can meet a wide variety of electrical
needs. Fig. 2.5 shows PV cell, Panel (Module) and Array.
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Bulk type / Wafer-based (Crystalline)
supply shortage of silicon
Low price
Table 2.1. PV Cell Types
Poly Crystalline Si
High efficiency with
respect to price
Thin film type
CIGS CdTe
Low price
Able to automate
all manufacturing
process
Low efficiency
Poly Crystalline Band
-
-
Polymer organic
Low manufacturing
Can be more efficient (still
in research)