Components of Photovoltaic systems

Photovoltaic system consists of the following components:

1. Photovoltaic panels

The most important part of the PV system is Photovoltaic panel. Currently, the most frequently used panel it's with silicon-based articles. Monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic panels are the two most efficient kind of panels on the market today. The performance of the panels is given in Wp (Watt-peak). The standard panel is about the size of about 1.7 square meters with capacity from 240 to 260 Wp.
Monocrystalline panels are made of cells from a single crystal silicon. Under standard conditions their conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity is 13-17%. Monocrystalline panels work most effectively on direct sun light.
Polycrystalline panels are fitted articles of polycrystalline, amorphous silicon structure. Under standard conditions their conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity is 10% to 16 %, which means that 1 sq. meter of panels exposed to the full sun will generate about 120W to 125W of electricity. The blue-gray square shaped polycrystalline panels are working well with direct, reflected or scattered light.

2. Inverter (inverter, converter)

Photovoltaic panels produce direct current, which is converted into alternating current the same as the electricity in distribution network. The inverter is the brain of a photovoltaic system. It converts the direct current from the panels into alternating, usually three-phase (400V/50Hz) electrical current. Most of the inverters allow to monitor parameters of PV system by connecting to a computer (USB, RS232/485, LAN) and storing all the important data collection.

3. LV switchboard RDAC for connection to the main electrical network.

In order to comply with safety, technical standards and international norms, the installed switchboard is low voltage switchgear containing AC and DC components, which ensures proper and safe integration of PV system to the main electrical network.

4. Installation and anchoring material

Photovoltaic panels can be installed on any suitable size surface area with any panel orientation. For proper and safe installation of PV are used special support structures.