Pyranometer is a scientific instrument that measures the solar insolation that falls on the earth’s surface. In a scenario where a comparison of the solar radiation at different locations is to be made, a solar pyranometer comes in handy. It…

A pyrheliometer is an instrument for measurement of direct beam solar irradiance. Sunlight enters the instrument through a window and is directed onto a thermopile which converts heat to an electrical signal.

Quartz sand is the raw material used to make metallurgic silicon (99% pure) through a heat reduction process. Quartz sand is the major ingredient in virtually all types of glass. And the silicon is used to manufacture solar photovoltaic cell.

Renewable Energy Certificates (also called Green Tags, Renewable Energy Credits) are tradable, non tangible energy commodities that represent proof that a certain amount of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource (renewable electricity). Solar renewable energy certificates (SRECs)…

The voltage developed across a solar cell by the current flow through the resistance of the solar cell.

Reverse current Protection is any method of preventing unwanted current flow from the battery to the photovoltaic solar array (usually at night). It is usually done by a blocking diode.

Ribbon PV cells are solar cells shaped as long strips. They are produced when high temperature resistant wires are pulled through molten silicon to form a multi-crystalline ribbon of silicon crystals. The ribbon is then cut into lengths which are…

A Schottky barrier is a potential energy barrier for electrons formed at a metal–semiconductor junction. Schottky barriers have rectifying characteristics, suitable for use as a diode. One of the primary characteristics of a Schottky barrier is the Schottky barrier height,…

Scribing is the cutting of a grid pattern of grooves in a semiconductor material generally for the purpose of marking interconnections, or to cut the solar cells into two parts. Laser scribing is done for the fabrication of monolithic cell…

Shading is a problem in PV modules caused by shadows falling on a solar panel producing power. Current drops proportionally to the reduced irradiance; shading on just one cell can reduce power output to zero.The output declines proportionally to the…