What is a solar cell?

In solar cells light is converted to electricity. Many pocket calculators use a small solar cell as the only power source. The light from a bulb is enough to power the calculator. Boat owners often use solar cells to charge a battery, which then supports the electricity system of the boat. On the roof of "GlashusEtt" there are 25 m² solar cells with a peak power output of 3,0 kW. The electricity produced by the solar cells can be used to the demand of "GlashusEtt" or to produce hydrogen in the electrolyzer.

Solar cells consist usually of polycrystalline silicon and generate direct current when light reaches the cell. The direct current can for example charge a battery or power a fan or lighting. If it is of interest to connect the solar cells to the grid with 230 volt alternating current a inverter is used, where the voltage is raised and where direct current is converted to alternating current, which is fed to the grid.

Supplier
NAPS has delivered 30 panles of the model NP100G12 and three inverters, model Sunny Boy 850 from SMA. Every solar cell panel gives a maximum of 100 W.


Solar cells on the roof of "GlashusEtt"