Solar Power Generating Systems for Electrical Energy Production from Sunlight
In Ohio, homeowners are increasingly turning to solar power to meet their energy needs, with grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems becoming a popular choice. These systems, connected to the public electricity grid via a suitable inverter, use the electricity produced first to power homes, selling any excess back to the utility through net metering. When more electricity is needed, the house draws power from the grid [1].
The average electricity yield of a grid-connected PV system in Ohio corresponds to the output of a 12.39 to 12.76 kW solar panel system, sized to cover the average household electricity consumption in the state [1]. This suggests that Ohio homeowners typically need a system of this size to meet their average electric bill, indicating the average household electricity use is approximately matched by the energy produced by a 12.4 kW system in that region.
While exact annual generation figures for Ohio's PV systems are not specified, the average output per kW installed in Ohio is moderate due to its geographic location with fewer peak sun hours compared to sunnier states. For instance, a 1 kW system in Ohio might produce about 1,200 to 1,400 kWh annually, meaning a 12.4 kW system could yield approximately 15,000 to 17,000 kWh per year under average conditions [2].
This compares to the average American household electricity consumption of around 10,600 kWh per year according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data [3]. Ohio's typical solar system size suggests that solar installations are sized to cover or slightly exceed typical household consumption, likely reflecting local consumption patterns and solar resource availability.
PV systems can meet various energy demands, such as powering a water pump or the appliances and lights in a home. The electricity yield of a PV system is determined by the available solar energy and the electrical characteristics of the PV modules under Standard Test Conditions (STC). Solar cells can be made from crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, polycrystalline thin-film semiconductors, and single-crystalline thin films. The energy generated by a PV system depends on the solar radiation, which varies with location and climactic conditions [4].
Grid-independent PV systems with batteries are ideal for supplying electricity in areas where utility power is unavailable or too expensive. These systems can power equipment that requires DC or AC electricity, with an inverter required for AC appliances and lights. Utilities must purchase any excess electricity generated by PV systems under net metering [1].
The PV modules, the product usually sold to customers, are formed by interconnecting and encapsulating cells. PV systems can be classified into flat-plate systems or concentrator systems. Flat-plate systems are the most common array design, and they can either be fixed or track the sun's movement. An individual PV cell typically produces 1 or 2 watts of power [4].
Net metering policy allows customers to receive full credit for the electricity produced by their solar energy system. Many states have net metering policies for customers with PV systems beyond the federal law requirements [5]. In grid-independent PV systems, the PV modules charge the battery during the day, and the battery supplies power to the load as needed. A charge controller helps maintain battery health [6].
The conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon PV panels is 13-17%, while the conversion efficiency of amorphous silicon PV panels is about 5-7%. However, the real efficiency of the PV module installed at home may only have about 70% of the STC efficiency shown in the manufacturer's information, due to factors such as the accumulation of dust and variance of ambient temperature [7].
In conclusion, solar power in Ohio is becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners, with systems sized to meet or slightly exceed average household consumption. While the solar resource in Ohio is moderate compared to sunnier regions, the systems are designed to compensate for this, reflecting local consumption patterns and solar resource availability.
References: [1] U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (n.d.). Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (PV) Systems. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/eere/sunshot/grid-connected-photovoltaic-pv-systems [2] National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (n.d.). Solar Power Technologies. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/solar/articles/solar-power-technologies.html [3] U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2021). Residential Electricity Sales and Revenue by State. Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/electricity/sales_revenue_revenue/ [4] National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (n.d.). Solar Power Basics. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/learn/kids/solar-power/articles/basics.html [5] Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). (n.d.). Net Metering Policies. Retrieved from https://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/policy-database/?state=OH&renewable=1&topic=net-metering [6] U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. (n.d.). Off-Grid Solar Systems. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/eere/sunshot/off-grid-solar-systems [7] National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (n.d.). Solar Power Technologies: Photovoltaic (PV) Module Efficiency. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov/learn/kids/solar-power/articles/module-efficiency.html
- The integration of solar power in Ohio's homes not only includes powering homes and appliances, but it also extends to other agricultural and environmental-science applications that require electrical power, as solar technology advancements in PV systems continue to evolve.
- As Ohio embraces solar power, it is crucial for scientific research to analyze and optimize the efficiency of PV systems, ensuring they cater to the region's solar resource availability and achieve a balanced relationship between energy production and consumption in order to minimize environmental impact and promote a sustainable future.
