Electric Power
The electric power in a photovoltaic system describes the rate at which solar modules convert sunlight into electrical energy. It indicates how much electrical work is done per unit of time. The unit of electric power is the watt (W).
Importance in Photovoltaics
electric power is a critical factor in sizing a photovoltaic system. It determines how much electricity the system can generate and which consumers can be supplied. The following aspects are relevant:
- Module Power: The power of an individual solar module indicates how much electric power it generates under standard test conditions (STC).
- System Power: The total power of a photovoltaic system is the sum of the powers of all installed modules.
- Efficiency: The efficiency of a solar cell indicates what percentage of the incident solar energy is converted into electrical energy.
- Power Loss: Factors such as dirt, temperature, and aging reduce the power output of a solar system over time.
Influencing Factors
The electric power of a photovoltaic system is influenced by various factors, including:
- Solar Radiation: The intensity and angle of the incoming solar radiation have a direct impact on the generated power.
- Temperature: The power of solar cells decreases as the temperature rises.
- Shading: Shaded areas on the solar modules reduce the overall power output of the system.
Measurement and Monitoring
The electric power of a photovoltaic system is usually measured and displayed by an inverter. Modern inverters also provide the ability to record and analyze the generated energy over an extended period.
Relevant Keywords: photovoltaics, solar module, solar cell, inverter, efficiency, STC (Standard Test Conditions), kilowatt (kW), solar radiation, shading