Photovoltaic solar electricity is a clean way to instantly generate electricity, perfect for small scale or large scale electrical installations
In the decade between 2009 and 2019, global installed PV capacity increased over thirtyfold
Despite rapid growth, estimates show less than 2% of the world’s electricity (approx. 0.5% of global energy) is generated from Solar PV
Over half of all global PV power generation takes place in the Asia Pacific region
Solar PV capacity is expected to grow fourteen fold by 2050
The cost of Solar PV has dropped by about 77% over the last 10 years. It is now one of the cheapest sources of energy.
Photovoltaic does need to use batteries for storage so usually best to use energy as soon as possible. Plus there are many chemicals used in the
creation of photovoltaic cells, these need to be managed so as not to create any toxic pollution.
Indepth Study
An Introduction
Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is obtained by converting sunlight into electricity using a technology based on the photoelectric effect. It is a type of
clean energy that can be produced in installations ranging from small generators for self-consumption to large photovoltaic plants.
History and Trends
The first conventional photovoltaic cells were produced in the late 1950s, and throughout the 1960s were principally used to provide electrical power
for earth-orbiting satellites. In the 1980s, photovoltaic became a popular power source for consumer electronic devices, including calculators, watches,
radios, lanterns and other small battery-charging applications.
In the early 2000s, Solar PV started being used as a way to generate electricity for the grid. In the decade between 2009 and 2019, global installed
PV capacity increased over thirtyfold.
Despite its rapid growth, the International Energy Agency estimates that Solar PV still generates less than 2% of the world’s electricity.
Over half of all global PV power generation takes place in the Asia Pacific region. Within that region, China accounts for about 27% of all PV generation.
Projections
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, based on current trends, cumulative solar PV capacity is expected to grow
fourteen fold by 2050.
During electricity generation with PV panels, there is no harmful greenhouse gas emissions thus solar PV is environmentally friendly
Flexible Usage
Whereas most other clean energy options require large-scale constructions, PV panels can be used for both small-scale and large-scale power generation.
Residential solar panels are easy to install on rooftops or on the ground without any interference to residential lifestyle. In 2019, about 1/3 of all
PV systems were small-scale rooftop installations.
Because solar PV can be installed both industrially and residentially, power generation costs can vary widely depending on the scale of the project.
However, due to its popularity, average levelised costs of Solar PV have dropped by about 77% over the last 10 years. It is now one of the cheapest
sources of energy.
In fact, by 2050, The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) expects Solar PV to become consistently less expensive than the
cheapest fossil fuel options.
Disadvantages
1. Toxic Chemicals
There are many toxic chemicals in PV solar panels, including cadmium telluride, copper indium selenide, cadmium gallium (di)selenide, copper indium
gallium (di)selenide, hexafluoroethane, lead, and polyvinyl fluoride. During manufacturing and after the disposal of solar panels, hazardous chemicals
are released into the environment [7]
Not only do PV panels require toxic materials, but with growing demands comes the increasing levels of toxic materials. According to a study by the Dutch Ministry
of Infrastructure, by 2050 solar panels and wind turbines will require around 12 times as much indium as the entire world produces right now.
2. Intermittency Issues (Not a steady flow of sunlight)
Solar PV only works when there is direct sunlight. It is not a good solution for places that don’t get a lot of sunshine and it cannot be used to
generate electricity at night. The unpredictability of solar energy makes PV panels a less reliable solution than some other clean energy technologies.
3. Lack of Storage
Because Solar PV panels generate electricity directly, they are not a good option for energy storage and transport. In order to store any excess solar
energy, the PV technology must be paired with batteries. This can increase costs immensely.
Photovoltaic is good for small scale and instant use electricity, however for long term larger scale use energy production
Concentrated Solar Power can solve the intermittency and energy storage issues
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