Photovoltaic panels

Photovoltaic panel technology is the most widespread source of electricity generation in stand-alone renewable energy systems. The basic operating principle is the conversion of solar radiation into electricity by using the photovoltaic effect in various silicon devices and processing methods. In rural areas with good solar potential, such as most southern parts of the country for example, stand-alone power generation systems can base a large part of their production on a photovoltaic array. A characteristic advantage of photovoltaic panels over small wind turbines and hydro-generators is the minimal maintenance they require, as well as the continuous reduction of their production costs. The photovoltaic panel building workshops organised by New Guinea aim to provide a wealth of practical skills to participants and an understanding of the basic principles of operation, and are therefore educational in nature. Although there have been successful installations with homemade photovoltaic panels, now the cost of commercial panels is so low that the homemade ones do not compete in real applications. Improvised photovoltaic panel constructions are now targeted at schools and demonstration applications. In most applications of autonomous systems in Greece, photovoltaic panels will be the predominant source of electricity production due to the good solar potential of the region. For this reason, the seminars on the design and installation of autonomous hybrid systems organised by New Guinea aim to present the process of preparing a preliminary design for a PV and wind turbine system for the electrification of domestic applications.