Preface

Recent environmental concerns about greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause global warming and climate change, as well as the depletion of energy resources, have sparked substantial research into new methods of producing electricity.

Solar energy is one of the most significant renewable energy sources and has been attracting increased attention in recent years due to its abundance as well as its being a pollutant-free and environmentally friendly technology. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology provides direct conversion of solar energy (photons) into electrical DC power. *Solar PV Panels – Recent Advances and Future Prospects* is the result of contributions from several leading researchers and experts worldwide. This book is an excellent source of information for researchers, academicians, industry experts, energy policymakers, and economists working in renewable energy, specifically solar PV panels for direct electric power production. This book covers topics such as solar PV fundamentals; solar panels modeling, simulations, optimization, and economics; solar panels testing; semiconductor materials for solar cells and panels; solar PV applications and policies; and solar PV technology and battery storage sizing for standalone and grid-connected applications. This book expands scientific and technological knowledge for future renewable solar energy projects.

I would like to sincerely thank all chapter authors for their efforts and the quality of the chapters presented. Also, I would like to thank Author Service Manager Ms. Dajana Jusic at IntechOpen for her excellent efforts in managing the publication process of this book.

> **Dr. Basel I. Ismail, P.Eng.** Associate Professors and Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

**1**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

energy, clean energy

**1. Introduction**

*and Sanat Mukherjee*

Solar Photovoltaic Principles

contemporary renewable energy systems are up to snuff.

**Keywords:** new energy, fossil fuels, solar power, solar photovoltaic, inexhaustible

When something shifts in the cosmos, it also shifts in a quantity we call energy. Although its exact definition is unknown, the term "energy" is frequently used to ability of a physical or biological system to describe the motion or change. Movement, heating, and chemical transformation are just some of the various changes that can be brought about by applying different types of energy. Energy is required for all actions, including those performed by humans. It's necessary for humans to do activities like walk, cook, heat, and light their homes, and operate motor vehicles. Mankind is a voracious energy consumer. On average, a young man's daily energy needs amount to roughly 2500 kcal (2.9 kWh) while he is actively engaged in physical activity. An annual energy cost of roughly \$106 is implied. The present annual worldwide energy use is close to 20,000 kWh per person. If this trend continues, men will consume 19 times more energy than they need to maintain their current level of health and

*Aparna Dixit, Arti Saxena, Ramesh Sharma, Debidatta Behera* 

Due to the limited supply of fossil fuels in the modern era, humankind's need for new energy sources is of utmost importance. Consequently, solar energy is essential to society. Solar energy is an endless and pure source of energy. Solar energy research is being used to help solve the world's energy dilemma, safeguard the environment, and promote significant sustainable economic growth. Humans have now constructed numerous solar photovoltaic power plants to produce electricity, and many people have installed solar panels on their homes' roofs to do the same. The non-mathematical explanation of PV solar cell theory and its circuit architecture is covered in this chapter. It is written for a variety of groups, including engineers who need an introduction to the subject of photovoltaic cells, end users who require a deeper understanding of the theory to support their applications, students interested in PV science and technology, and others. The fundamentals of the individual electricity-producing solar cell—the photovoltaic cell—are discussed in this chapter. The reader is informed about the workings of PV cells. The chapter focuses on the operation and construction of PV cells. The advantages and disadvantages of the cell's potential industrial applications are discussed. Here, we go over how to ensure that the PV cells used in
