Photovoltaics

Overview of Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics (PVs) involve the direct conversion of light into electricity. A photoelectric material can absorb photons of light and release electrons. It is the capture of these free electrons that results in an electric current that can be used as electricity.

A basic PV cell has a very thin semiconductor material that forms an electric field; positive on one side and negative on the other. When light energy comes into contact with the cell, electrons are released from atoms in the semiconductor material. Electrical conductors attached to the positive and negative sides of the semiconductor material form an electrical circuit and capture the released electrons. This forms an electric current (electricity) which can be used to power a load.

In South Africa, PV panels are mainly used to provide electricity for telecommunications and lighting in remote areas where grid electricity is not available. With the correct economic incentives however, solar PV could become a reliable source of distributed, grid connected power.

It has been estimated that there are roughly 200 000 off-grid PV installations in the country but only around 10 grid-connected PV installations. Most of the installations (as noted above) are for telecommunications and lighting in remote areas. The installed capacity is estimated at around 12MWp and it is expanding. With the current costs of PV however, expansion on a large scale will not happen without a national incentive program.

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The City Energy Support Unit funded by the British High Commission and Danida, and run by Sustainable Energy Africa (SEA)

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Photovoltaics

Overview of Photovoltaics