Basic Photovoltaic Principles and Methods Page Chapter 5

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Basic Photovoltaic Principles and Methods Page Chapter 5 c Notice This publication was prepared under a contract to the United States Government. Neither the United States nor the United States Department of Energy, nor any of their employees, nor any of their contractors, subcontractors, or their employees, makes any warranty, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Printed in the United States of America Available in print from: Superintendent of Documents U.S. Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402 Available in microfiche from: National Technical Information Service U.S. Department of Commerce 5285 Port Royal Road Springfield, VA 22161 Stock Number: SERIISP-290-1448 Information in this publication is current as of September 1981 Basic Photovoltaic Principles and Me1hods SER I/SP-290-1448 Solar Information Module 6213 Published February 1982 This book presents a nonmathematical explanation of the theory and design of PV solar cells and systems. It is written to address several audiences: engineers and scientists who desire an introduction to the field of photovoltaics, students interested in PV science and technology, and end users who require a greater understanding of theory to supplement their applications. The book is effectively sectioned into two main blocks: Chapters 2-5 cover the basic elements of photovoltaics-the individual electricity-producing cell. The reader is told why PV cells work, and how they are made. There is also a chapter on advanced types of silicon cells. Chapters 6-8 cover the designs of systems constructed from individual cells-including possible constructions for putting cells together and the equipment needed for a practioal producer of electrical energy. In addition, Chapter 9 deals with PV's future. Chapter 1 is a general introduction to the field. The authors of this document are Paul Hersch and Kenneth Zweibel. They would like to thank their colleagues at the Solar Energy Research Institute's Solar Electric Conversion Division who reviewed the manuscript for tech­ nical accuracy: Richard Bird, Kathryn Chewey, Satyen Deb, Keith Emery, Kay Firor, Steve Hogan, Larry Kazmerski, Jack Stone, Thomas Surek, and • Simon Tsuo. Gary Cook and Richard Piekarski of the Technical Information Office, who designed the document, were also helpful readers. Graphic Directions of Boulder, Colorado, was responsible for the text's figures, often with valuable improvements. Ray David was the cover artist. Vincent Rice of the Photovoltaics Program Office at DOE was supportive through­ out, giving impetus to the project. ollshed by Technical Information Office .Iar Energy Research Institute 1617 Cole Boulevard, Golden, Colorado 80401 erated for the U.S. Department of Energy by the Midwest Research Institute Contents Page Chapter 1. Introduction The Sun . 5 The Nature of Light Energy . 5 Sunlight Reaching Earth . 6 Photovoltaics-A History . 7 Bibliography . 8 Chapter 2.The Photovoltaic (PV) Effect Highlights .................................................................................. 9 An Atomic Description of Silicon. .............................................................. 9 The Effect of Light on Silicon .................................................................. 9 The Potential Barrier. ...................................................................... .. 10 The Function of the Barrier ................................................................ .. 10 Forming the Barrier ...................................................................... .. 11 The Potential Barrier in Action. ............................................................ .. 14 The Electric Current ....................................................................... .. 15 Bibliography. ............................................................................. .. 15 Chapter 3. Physical Aspects of SolarCell Efficiency Highlights. .......... .. .................................................................... .. 17 Reflection. ............................................................................... .. 17 Light with Too Little or Too Much Energy " 17 Recombination of Electron-Hole Pairs. ........................................................ .. 19 Direct Recombination 19 Indirect Recombination " 20 Resistance " 20 Self-Shading " 21 Performance Degradation at Nonoptimal Temperatures " 21 High-Temperature Losses " 21 Low-Temperature Losses " 22 Bibliography. ............................................................................. .. 22 Chapter 4.TheTypical Single-Crystal Sificon SolarCell Highlights. ............................................................................... .. 23 Making the Base Layer 23 Making Single-Crystal Silicon. ............................................................. .. 24 Making Wafers ............................................................................ 26 Forming the pn Junction " 26 Antireflective Coatings and Electrical Contacts " 27 Bibliography. ............................................................................. .. 28 2 Basic Photovoltaic Principles and Methods Page Chapter 5. Advances in Single·Crystal Silicon SolarCells Highlights ................................................................................ .. 29 New Fabrication. .......................................................................... .. 29 Edge-Defined Film-Fed Growth (EFG) ; ...................................... .. 29 Dendritic Web Growth. ................................................................... .. 30 Ribbon-to-Ribbon (RTR) Growth. ........................................................... .. 30 Innovative Cell Designs. .................................................................... .. 31 Back-Surface Fields (BSF) and Other Minority Carrier Mirrors (MCM) . .. 31 Schottky Barrier Cells. .................................................................... .. 32 Inversion Layer Cells. .................................................................... .. 34 Cells for Concentrated Sunlight. .................................................. .. ....... .. 34 Advances in Component Technology. ....................................................... .. 35 Bibliography. ............................................................................. .. 37 Chapter 6. SolarArrays Highlights ......................................... .. ...................................... .. 39 PV Building Blocks 39 Boosting Voltage and Amperage. ........................................................... .. 39 Design Requirements for Connecting Components 40 The Physical Connection. ...................................................... .. ............ .. 41 Placing the Cells. .......................................................................... .. 41 Array Support. ............................................................................ .. 42 Module Covers ............................................................................ .. 43 Module Cooling ........................................................................... .. 43 Hybrid Designs , ...................... .. 44 Brayton Cycle Electricity Production. ....................................................... .. 44 Thermoelectric Generators ................................................................ .. 44 Fitting the Pieces .... ...................................................................... .. 45 Bibliography. ............................................................................. .. 45 Chapter 7. SolarArray Constructions Highlights. ............................................................................... .. 47 Intercepting Sunlight. ...................................................................... .. 47 Arrays with Relectors ..................................................................... .. 47 Arrays that Follow the Sun 48 Controlling Intensity. ...................................................................... .. 49 Imaging Optics. ........................................................................... .. 49 Mirrors. ............................................................................... ... 49 Lenses. ................................................................................ .. 51 Tracking Devices .......................................................................... .. 52 Steering Mechanisms. .................................................................... .. 53 Tracking Device Controls 54 Optimizing the Use of the Spectrum. .......................................................... .. 54 Splitting the Spectrum. ................................................................... .. 54 Converting the Spectrum to a Single Color 55 Bibliography. ............................................................................. .. 55 Chapter 8. PVSupport Equipment Highlights .............................................................. .. ................ .. 57 PV vs Conventional Electricity. .............................................................. .. 57 Storing PV's Electricity. .................................................................... .. 58 Batteries. ............................................................................... .. 60 Fuel Cells ,.. .. 60 Contents 3 Page Power Conditioning Equipment. ............................................................. .
Recommended publications
  • Important Factors for Performance of Photovoltaic Cell
    International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 07 Issue: 04 | Apr 2020 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072 A Review : Important Factors for Performance of Photovoltaic Cell Pankaj L. Firake1, Pranav R. Mane2, Nagraj S. Dixit3 1,2,3 Assistant Professor, JSPM’s Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Pune ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------- Abstract - Energy is one of the requirements for life. There include wind power, solar power, geothermal energy, tidal are two main sources of energy: renewable and non-renewable power and hydroelectric power. The most important feature sources. Renewable energy is the energy which comes from of renewable energy is that it can be harnessed without the natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, geothermal release of harmful pollutants [1]. heat etc. The Sun is an extremely powerful energy source, and sunlight is by far the largest source of energy received Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is by Earth. Even though, solar power is one of the most harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such promising renewable energy technologies, allowing the as solar heating, photovoltaic, solar thermal energy etc. The generation of electricity from free, inexhaustible sunlight, it still facing a number of hurdles before it can truly replace large magnitude of solar energy available makes it a highly fossil fuels. A solar cell, or photovoltaic cell, is an electrical appealing source of electricity. The potential solar energy device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity that could be used by humans differs from the amount of by the photovoltaic effect.
    [Show full text]
  • Harmonic Analysis of Photovoltaic Generation in Distribution Network and Design of Adaptive Filter
    International Journal of Computing and Digital Systems ISSN (2210-142X) Int. J. Com. Dig. Sys. 9, No.1 (Jan-2020) http://dx.doi.org/10.12785/ijcds/090108 Harmonic Analysis of Photovoltaic Generation in Distribution Network and Design of Adaptive Filter Lue Xiong 1, Mutasim Nour 1 and Eyad Radwan2 1 School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Dubai, UAE 2 Electrical Engineering, Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan Received 30 Jul. 2019, Revised 21 Oct. 2019, Accepted 18 Dec. 2019, Published 01 Jan. 2020 Abstract: The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of increased penetration level of Photovoltaic (PV) generation on the distribution network. Harmonic distortion is the main factor studied in this paper and a typical three-bus distribution network is built in MATLAB/Simulink to understand the harmonics problem. The obtained results show that current harmonics are more susceptible to fluctuate compared to voltage harmonics. Based on existing IEEE harmonic standards, total demand distortion of current (TDDi) is evaluated to estimate maximum PV penetration level at Point of Common Coupling (PCC), and the maximum acceptable TDDi at each bus differs according to specific loading and short-circuit levels. Meanwhile, total harmonic distortion of current (THDi) at inverter outputs represents inverter performance. Instead of assessing at standard test conditions (STC), the impact of irradiance variations is studied. Low irradiance results in an increased THDi of the inverter whilst doesn’t explicitly affect TDDi at PCC. A simple and low-cost solution is proposed to dynamically vary the settings of inverter’s filter elements against irradiance, and harmonic distortion at low irradiance of the inverter is successfully mitigated.
    [Show full text]
  • A HISTORY of the SOLAR CELL, in PATENTS Karthik Kumar, Ph.D
    A HISTORY OF THE SOLAR CELL, IN PATENTS Karthik Kumar, Ph.D., Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, LLP 901 New York Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 [email protected] Member, Artificial Intelligence & Other Emerging Technologies Committee Intellectual Property Owners Association 1501 M St. N.W., Suite 1150, Washington, D.C. 20005 [email protected] Introduction Solar cell technology has seen exponential growth over the last two decades. It has evolved from serving small-scale niche applications to being considered a mainstream energy source. For example, worldwide solar photovoltaic capacity had grown to 512 Gigawatts by the end of 2018 (representing 27% growth from 2017)1. In 1956, solar panels cost roughly $300 per watt. By 1975, that figure had dropped to just over $100 a watt. Today, a solar panel can cost as little as $0.50 a watt. Several countries are edging towards double-digit contribution to their electricity needs from solar technology, a trend that by most accounts is forecast to continue into the foreseeable future. This exponential adoption has been made possible by 180 years of continuing technological innovation in this industry. Aided by patent protection, this centuries-long technological innovation has steadily improved solar energy conversion efficiency while lowering volume production costs. That history is also littered with the names of some of the foremost scientists and engineers to walk this earth. In this article, we review that history, as captured in the patents filed contemporaneously with the technological innovation. 1 Wiki-Solar, Utility-scale solar in 2018: Still growing thanks to Australia and other later entrants, https://wiki-solar.org/library/public/190314_Utility-scale_solar_in_2018.pdf (Mar.
    [Show full text]
  • Elements of Electrochemistry
    Page 1 of 8 Chem 201 Winter 2006 ELEM ENTS OF ELEC TROCHEMIS TRY I. Introduction A. A number of analytical techniques are based upon oxidation-reduction reactions. B. Examples of these techniques would include: 1. Determinations of Keq and oxidation-reduction midpoint potentials. 2. Determination of analytes by oxidation-reductions titrations. 3. Ion-specific electrodes (e.g., pH electrodes, etc.) 4. Gas-sensing probes. 5. Electrogravimetric analysis: oxidizing or reducing analytes to a known product and weighing the amount produced 6. Coulometric analysis: measuring the quantity of electrons required to reduce/oxidize an analyte II. Terminology A. Reduction: the gaining of electrons B. Oxidation: the loss of electrons C. Reducing agent (reductant): species that donates electrons to reduce another reagent. (The reducing agent get oxidized.) D. Oxidizing agent (oxidant): species that accepts electrons to oxidize another species. (The oxidizing agent gets reduced.) E. Oxidation-reduction reaction (redox reaction): a reaction in which electrons are transferred from one reactant to another. 1. For example, the reduction of cerium(IV) by iron(II): Ce4+ + Fe2+ ! Ce3+ + Fe3+ a. The reduction half-reaction is given by: Ce4+ + e- ! Ce3+ b. The oxidation half-reaction is given by: Fe2+ ! e- + Fe3+ 2. The half-reactions are the overall reaction broken down into oxidation and reduction steps. 3. Half-reactions cannot occur independently, but are used conceptually to simplify understanding and balancing the equations. III. Rules for Balancing Oxidation-Reduction Reactions A. Write out half-reaction "skeletons." Page 2 of 8 Chem 201 Winter 2006 + - B. Balance the half-reactions by adding H , OH or H2O as needed, maintaining electrical neutrality.
    [Show full text]
  • Automation of Home Appliances Using Solar Energy - a Smart Home
    International Journal of Future Innovative Science and Engineering Research Volume-1, Issue-I ISSN (Online): 2454- 1966 Research Manuscript Title AUTOMATION OF HOME APPLIANCES USING SOLAR ENERGY - A SMART HOME Website: www.istpublications.com A.ALPHONSA R.SHALINI S.SUDHA PG Students , Communication System, Sona College Of Technology, Salem,Tamilnadu, India. MARCH - 2015 A.ALPHONSA R.SHALINI S.SUDHA, “ AUTOMATION OF HOME APPLIANCES USING SOLAR ENERGY - A SMART HOME”, International Journal of Future Innovative Science and Engineering Research, Vol. -1, Issue – 1 , Page -10 IJFISER International Journal of Future Innovative Science and Engineering Research, Volume-1, Issue-I ISSN (Online): 2454- 1966, AUTOMATION OF HOME APPLIANCES USING SOLAR ENERGY - A SMART HOME ABSTRACT The application design of smart home model system using solar energy here is based on microcontroller. This project mainly focuses on reducing the electricity bill by using solar energy generated from sun for home appliances. Solar panel is made up of PV (photo voltaic) cells, these cells collect sunlight and turn its energy into DC and here DC boost converter is used to boost up the solar energy and the “inverter” converts the DC to AC energy and eventually supplies the current to all appliances, when the solar power is reduced to minimum voltage, then the battery is tripped to EB current immediately and moreover the value (or) range of the current and other related details are transferred to PC using zigbee, so that the current status of the operation can be monitored. Thus the electricity bill is reduced immensively. Keywords : solar panel , inverter , EB current ,ZIGBEE .
    [Show full text]
  • Commercialization and Deployment at NREL: Advancing Renewable
    Commercialization and Deployment at NREL Advancing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at Speed and Scale Prepared for the State Energy Advisory Board NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC. Management Report NREL/MP-6A42-51947 May 2011 Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308 NOTICE This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States government or any agency thereof. Available electronically at http://www.osti.gov/bridge Available for a processing fee to U.S. Department of Energy and its contractors, in paper, from: U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information P.O. Box 62 Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062 phone: 865.576.8401 fax: 865.576.5728 email: mailto:[email protected] Available for sale to the public, in paper, from: U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • All-Carbon Electrodes for Flexible Solar Cells
    applied sciences Article All-Carbon Electrodes for Flexible Solar Cells Zexia Zhang 1,2,3 ID , Ruitao Lv 1,2,*, Yi Jia 4, Xin Gan 1,5 ID , Hongwei Zhu 1,2 and Feiyu Kang 1,5,* 1 State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; [email protected] (Z.Z.); [email protected] (X.G.); [email protected] (H.Z.) 2 Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials (MOE), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China 3 School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Xinjiang Normal University, Urumqi 830046, Xinjiang Province, China 4 Qian Xuesen Laboratory of Space Technology, China Academy of Space Technology, Beijing 100094, China; [email protected] 5 Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China * Correspondences: [email protected] (R.L.); [email protected] (F.K.) Received: 16 December 2017; Accepted: 20 January 2018; Published: 23 January 2018 Abstract: Transparent electrodes based on carbon nanomaterials have recently emerged as new alternatives to indium tin oxide (ITO) or noble metal in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) due to their attractive advantages, such as long-term stability, environmental friendliness, high conductivity, and low cost. However, it is still a challenge to apply all-carbon electrodes in OPVs. Here, we report our efforts to develop all-carbon electrodes in organic solar cells fabricated with different carbon-based materials, including carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene films synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Flexible and semitransparent solar cells with all-carbon electrodes are successfully fabricated.
    [Show full text]
  • Photovoltaic Effect Produced in Silicon Solar Cells by X- and Gamma Rays
    ---------~ JO URNAL OF RESEARCH of the National Bureau of Standards-A. Physics a nd Chemistry Vol. 64A, No.4, July- August 1960 Photovoltaic Effect Produced in Silicon Solar Cells by x- and Gamma Rays J Karl Scharf (J anuary 25, 1960) T he open-circuit voltage a nd photocur-rcnt produced in a silicon sola r cell by X- a nd gamma rays we re measured as a function of exposure dose ra te, cell temperature, angle of l incidence of radiation, a nd p hoton energy. This photore ponse was stable a nd propor­ tional to t he exposure dose rate, which was appli ed up to a maximum of J.8 X lOo roentgen per minute for X -rays a nd 4 X 10 2 roentgen per minute for C060 gamma rays. At a n expo­ I sure dose rate of 1. roentgen per mi n ute t he response was of the order of 10- 5 vol t for t he open-circuit voltage a nd 10- 8 a mpere for the photocurrent. At high exposure dose rates of Cooo gam ma rays, radiation damage became apparent. The temperature dependence of the photoresponse was controll ed by the te mpera ture dependence of t he cell resistance. The directional dependence of t he photoresponse vari ed wit h t he quality of radiation a nd for Cooo gamma rays was very small for a ngles from 0° to 70 °. The photoresponse decreased with increasin g p hoton energy but cha nged onl y litt le between 200 a nd 1,250 kilo electron vo lts.
    [Show full text]
  • A Review of Cathode and Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
    A Review of Cathode and Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries Yemeserach Mekonnen Aditya Sundararajan Arif I. Sarwat IEEE Student Member IEEE Student Member IEEE Member Department of Electrical & Department of Electrical & Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering Computer Engineering Computer Engineering Florida International University Florida International University Florida International University Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Abstract—Lithium ion batteries are one of the most technologies such as plug-in HEVs. For greater application use, commercially sought after energy storages today. Their batteries are usually expensive and heavy. Li-ion and Li- based application widely spans from Electric Vehicle (EV) to portable batteries show promising advantages in creating smaller, devices. Their lightness and high energy density makes them lighter and cheaper battery storage for such high-end commercially viable. More research is being conducted to better applications [18]. As a result, these batteries are widely used in select the materials for the anode and cathode parts of Lithium (Li) ion cell. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the common consumer electronics and account for higher sale existing and potential developments in the materials used for the worldwide [2]. Lithium, as the most electropositive element making of the best cathodes, anodes and electrolytes for the Li- and the lightest metal, is a unique element for the design of ion batteries such that maximum efficiency can be tapped. higher density energy storage systems. The discovery of Observed challenges in selecting the right set of materials is also different inorganic compounds that react with alkali metals in a described in detail.
    [Show full text]
  • Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Safety and Fire Ground Procedures
    Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Safety and Fire Ground Procedures SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT blank page Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System Safety and Fire Ground Procedures April 2012 San Francisco Fire Department 698—2nd Street San Francisco, CA 94107 Chief of Department Joanne Hayes-White Assistant Deputy Chief Jose Luis Velo, Director of Training Project Manager, Paramedic Captain Jim Perry Lieutenant Dawn Dewitt, Editor Published by: Division of Training 2310 Folsom Street San Francisco, CA Phone: (415) 970-2000 April 2012 This manual is the sole property of the San Francisco Fire Department FOREWORD The goal of this manual is to establish standard operating practices as authorized by the Chief of Department and implemented by the Division of Training. The purpose of this manual is to provide all members with the essential information necessary to fulfill the duties of their positions, and to provide a standard text whereby company officers can: Enforce standard drill guidelines authorized as a basis of operation for all companies. Align company drills to standards as adopted by the Division of Training. Maintain a high degree of proficiency, both personally and among their subordinates. All manuals shall be kept up to date so that all officers may use the material contained in the various manuals to meet the requirements of their responsibility. Conditions will develop in fire fighting situations where standard methods of operation will not be applicable. Therefore, nothing contained in these manuals shall be interpreted as an obstacle to the experience, initiative, and ingenuity of officers in overcoming the complexities that exist under actual fire ground conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Photovoltaic Power Generation
    Photovoltaic Power Generation * by Tom Penick and Bill Louk *Photo is from “Industry-Photovoltaic Power Stations1,” http://www.nedo.go.jp/nedo-info/solarDB/photo2/1994- e/4/4.6/01.html, December 1, 1998. PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER GENERATION Submitted to Gale Greenleaf, Instructor EE 333T Prepared by Thomas Penick and Bill Louk December 4, 1998 ABSTRACT This report is an overview of photovoltaic power generation. The purpose of the report is to provide the reader with a general understanding of photovoltaic power generation and how PV technology can be practically applied. There is a brief discussion of early research and a description of how photovoltaic cells convert sunlight to electricity. The report covers concentrating collectors, flat-plate collectors, thin-film technology, and building-integrated systems. The discussion of photovoltaic cell types includes single-crystal, poly-crystalline, and thin-film materials. The report covers progress in improving cell efficiencies, reducing manufacturing cost, and finding economic applications of photovoltaic technology. Lists of major manufacturers and organizations are included, along with a discussion of market trends and projections. The conclusion is that photovoltaic power generation is still more costly than conventional systems in general. However, large variations in cost of conventional electrical power, and other factors, such as cost of distribution, create situations in which the use of PV power is economically sound. PV power is used in remote applications such as communications, homes and villages in developing countries, water pumping, camping, and boating. Grid- connected applications such as electric utility generating facilities and residential rooftop installations make up a smaller but more rapidly expanding segment of PV use.
    [Show full text]
  • The Place of Photovoltaics in Poland's Energy
    energies Article The Place of Photovoltaics in Poland’s Energy Mix Renata Gnatowska * and Elzbieta˙ Mory ´n-Kucharczyk Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, Institute of Thermal Machinery, Cz˛estochowaUniversity of Technology, Armii Krajowej 21, 42-200 Cz˛estochowa,Poland; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +48-343250534 Abstract: The energy strategy and environmental policy in the European Union are climate neutrality, low-carbon gas emissions, and an environmentally friendly economy by fighting global warming and increasing energy production from renewable sources (RES). These sources, which are characterized by high investment costs, require the use of appropriate support mechanisms introduced with suitable regulations. The article presents the current state and perspectives of using renewable energy sources in Poland, especially photovoltaic systems (PV). The specific features of Polish photovoltaics and the economic analysis of investment in a photovoltaic farm with a capacity of 1 MW are presented according to a new act on renewable energy sources. This publication shows the importance of government support that is adequate for the green energy producers. Keywords: renewable energy sources (RES); photovoltaic system (PV); energy mix; green energy 1. State of Photovoltaics Development in the World The global use of renewable energy sources (RES) is steadily increasing, which is due, among other things, to the rapid increase in demand for energy in countries that have so far been less developed [1]. Other reasons include the desire of various countries to Citation: Gnatowska, R.; become self-sufficient in energy, significant local environmental problems, as well as falling Mory´n-Kucharczyk, E.
    [Show full text]