Power Output of Photovoltaic Systems

Photovoltaic systems use solar cell technology to produce a certain amount of power.

Photovoltaic systems are energy systems that utilize solar cells to convert light into usable electricity. A photovoltaic system outputs a certain amount of electricity, or power, based on a number of factors.

Solar Cell Power

Individual solar cells produce an average output of .5 volts. Due to this low voltage output, several solar cells are often combined into modules, which in turn are connected to form a solar array.

Solar Panel Output

Solar panels typically offer a 150-watt charge, and are approximately a square meter in length. These panels produce an average of one kWh (kilowatt hour) every day, taking into account latitude and the weather.

Grid Systems

A grid-connected system is formed from solar arrays that connect to a public electricity grid and feed power to it. Residential grid-connected systems offer an average output of between 2-10 kWp (kilowatt-peak), or the measure of electrical output commonly used for solar-energy devices. The photovoltaic modules, which typically contain about 72 crystalline silicon cells and comprise these stations, can generate approximately 160 watts at 36 volts.

References

• Infinite Power: Introduction to Photovoltaic Systems
• "Photovoltaic Systems"; James P. Dunlop; 2009

Resources

• "Solar Electricity Handbook"; Michael Boxwell; 2010