The term photovoltaics derives from the Greek word "phos" meaning light and the
word "volt" (named by Alessandro Volta). Photovoltaics is a science, which examines
light-electricity conversion, respectively, photon energy-electric current
conversion. In other words it stands for light-current conversion. The light to
current conversion takes place within solar cells, which can be amorphous,
polycrystalline or monocrystalline, according to their structure. In most cases they
are made of silicon. Solar-module consists of many solar cells, which are
electrically connected and placed between glass and tedlar plate, and framed by an
(usualy) aluminium frame. A number of solar-modules and other components (batteries,
charge regulators, inverters...) can form large photovoltaic systems.
The first PV system applications developed were applied as an energy source for
satellites. Though it sounds unusual at first, it is a fact that solar cells
represent a very important part of information technology revolution in the last
few decades. Without solar cells there wouldn't be so many communication satellites,
which found the information technology revolution. The consequences are fast
development in the field of information technologies and computer sciences,
Internet etc. Data and voice transfer possibilities, which are offered to you by
modern communications techniques, were made possible by a small piece of silicon in
the form of a solar cell.
Nowadays, photovoltaic systems are applied as an energy source in many cases.
Photovoltaic systems are an excellent solution to electricity production regardless
of your whereabouts - even at high latitudes of Himalayas or in Antarctica
photovoltaic systems have been put into service.
Intensive research in the field of solar energy has taken place more than a
century ago. The solar energy use does not require fossil or other-more or less
poisonous-fuels and it doesn't require much maintenance. No toxic emissions are
produced. Supported by suitable financial aid solar energy is fully compatible with
other energy sources. Therefore, solar energy is - along with other renewable energy
sources (wind, hydrogen, biomass etc.) the most promising energy source for the next
decades. I can but agree with the solar pioneer Frank Shuman who, at the beginning
of the 20th century, said: "... it is the most rational source of power ..."