Solar Energy
Grid Connected Rooftop & Small Solar Power Plants
Introduction -
The process of converting light (photons) to electricity (voltage) is called the solar photovoltaic (PV) effect. Photovoltaic solar power cells convert sunlight directly into solar power (electricity). They use a thin layer of semi-conducting material, usually silicon, encased between a sheet of glass and a polymer resin. When sunlight strikes the panel and is absorbed, it knocks loose electrons from some of the atoms that make up the semiconductor. The semiconductor is positively charged on one side and negatively charged on the other side, which encourages all these loose electrons to travel in the same direction, creating an electric current.
The electricity PV panels generate is direct current (DC). Before it can be used in homes and businesses, it has to be changed into alternating current (AC) electricity using an inverter. The inverted current then travels from the inverter to the building’s fuse box, and from there to the appliances that need it.
Target -
Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), GoI has set the ambitious target of 4700 MW by 2022 in the state of Maharashtra.
