Difference between revisions of "Photovoltaics"
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Multijunction cells are over 100 times more expensive than less efficient crystalline silicon cells or thin film cells | Multijunction cells are over 100 times more expensive than less efficient crystalline silicon cells or thin film cells | ||
| − | == Use on Mars == | + | ==Use on Mars== |
| − | === Roll out films === | + | ===Roll out films=== |
Flexible solar cells can be attached to a flexible backing and packed into large rolls. These can be unrolled directly onto the martian surface for a very simple deployment method. Flexible film cells are less efficient and the variations in the sun's angle during the days reduce the available energy. | Flexible solar cells can be attached to a flexible backing and packed into large rolls. These can be unrolled directly onto the martian surface for a very simple deployment method. Flexible film cells are less efficient and the variations in the sun's angle during the days reduce the available energy. | ||
| − | Sun tracking panels | + | === Sun tracking panels === |
| + | Sun tracking can increase the input energy over a year by almost 40% for the same installed capacity. However the tracking mechanisms can be heavy and are moving parts that can fail over time. | ||
| − | Back-up power for rovers | + | === Back-up power for rovers === |
| + | Rovers can be partly covered with solar cells for emergency back-up power. | ||
| − | Power stations | + | === Power stations === |
| + | Solar panels and batteries can be combined into local charging power stations allowing for operating rovers and other equipment in remote locations. A series of power stations could be built along a long road between two remote locations and allow for extended range of operations. | ||
| − | == Maintenance == | + | === Power for landed ships === |
| + | |||
| + | ==Maintenance== | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 04:25, 16 July 2019
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Photovoltaics (or PV) is the generation of electric currents from electromagnetic radiation using the photovoltaic effect (compare solar-thermal electricity).
A PV cell is the basic unit of a PV array. It is usually made of a silicon substrate coated with a thin film. These are mounted together with supporting structure to form PV panel.[1] A number of technologies are available, but costs vary widely and increase sharply with high efficiencies.
Contents
Technologies
Thin film technologies are generally less expensive than the others, as well as being lighter. Some versions have reached 23% efficiency
Single junction gallium arsenide up to 28% efficient
Multijunction cells, three and four junction cells have reached about 36% efficiency without concentrators and up to 46% with concentrators.
Crystalline silicon cells, 25-26 %, 22% for commercially available products (2019).
Emerging technologies: Perovskite cells may reach over 30% efficiency for very low costs. Still in development.
Multijunction cells are over 100 times more expensive than less efficient crystalline silicon cells or thin film cells
Use on Mars
Roll out films
Flexible solar cells can be attached to a flexible backing and packed into large rolls. These can be unrolled directly onto the martian surface for a very simple deployment method. Flexible film cells are less efficient and the variations in the sun's angle during the days reduce the available energy.
Sun tracking panels
Sun tracking can increase the input energy over a year by almost 40% for the same installed capacity. However the tracking mechanisms can be heavy and are moving parts that can fail over time.
Back-up power for rovers
Rovers can be partly covered with solar cells for emergency back-up power.
Power stations
Solar panels and batteries can be combined into local charging power stations allowing for operating rovers and other equipment in remote locations. A series of power stations could be built along a long road between two remote locations and allow for extended range of operations.
Power for landed ships
Maintenance
References
- ↑ G.D.J. Harper - Domestic solar energy: a guide for the home owner 2009. ISBN 978-1-84797-060-2 p. 140
