What are the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic power generation? Next, the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic power generation will be introduced in detail.
- What are the advantages of photovoltaic power generation?
Compared with commonly used thermal power generation systems, the advantages of photovoltaic power generation are mainly reflected in the following aspects.
①There is no danger of depletion. Solar energy resources are inexhaustible. The solar energy irradiated on the earth is tens of thousands of times larger than the current energy consumed by human beings. Moreover, solar energy is widely distributed on the earth, as long as there is light. Photovoltaic power generation systems can be used, regardless of geographical location, altitude and other factors.
②Solar energy resources are available everywhere and can generate electricity on site. There is no need to transmit power over long distances, which avoids transmission losses and saves transmission costs. At the same time, it can be used on a large scale in areas such as grasslands, mountains, deserts, and islands far away from traditional power generation bases.
③The energy conversion of photovoltaic cell power generation is simple, it is a direct conversion from photons to electrons, there is no intermediate process and mechanical movement, and there is no mechanical wear.
④ Photovoltaic cell power generation does not require fuel consumption, emits no exhaust gas, does not pollute the environment, and does not generate any noise. It is a truly green and environmentally friendly new renewable energy source.
⑤Photovoltaic battery power generation does not require cooling water, and can be installed in the Gobi Desert where there is no water.
⑥Photovoltaic cell power generation can be easily combined with buildings to form a photovoltaic building integrated power generation system. It does not require a separate land occupation and can save valuable land resources.
⑦Photovoltaic cell power generation has no intermediate process and mechanical movement, and basically operates automatically, which can be unattended. Therefore, the maintenance is simple and the operating cost is low.
⑧The photovoltaic cell power generation system works stably and reliably, and has a long service life, generally up to 39 years or more.
⑨The photovoltaic cell has a simple structure, small size and light weight, which is convenient for transportation and installation. The photovoltaic cell power generation system is easy to install, has a short construction period, is extremely easy to assemble, and is convenient to expand. It can be adjusted according to the power load anytime and anywhere. - What are the disadvantages of photovoltaic power generation?
Everything has two sides, and photovoltaic cells are no exception. They have many advantages, but they also have shortcomings and some limitations. The shortcomings of photovoltaic cell power generation are mainly manifested in the following aspects.
①Limits of solar energy density. The total amount of energy projected by the sun on the earth is extremely huge, which can be said to be inexhaustible and inexhaustible. However, since the surface area of the earth is also large and most of the area is occupied by the ocean, the energy allocated to each unit area It’s not big anymore. Coupled with the influence of the atmosphere, the radiant energy of the sun that can actually reach the ground is even more pitiful.The energy value is usually expressed in terms of solar irradiance. The highest value of solar irradiance on the earth’s surface is about 1.2kw/m2, and most areas are less than 1kw/m2 during most of the sunshine time.
②Limitations of the time period. Since photovoltaic cells can only generate electricity when there is sunlight, the power generation of photovoltaic cells is affected by the alternation of day and night, so it cannot generate electricity at night every day. Moreover, the spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons of the year also have an impact on the power generation load. The radiation of sunlight in summer is strong, and the radiation of sunlight in winter is weak. Therefore, seasonal changes will also cause changes in the output of photovoltaic cell power generation systems.
③Limits of climatic conditions. Climatic conditions have a great influence on photovoltaic cells. Cloudy, foggy, rain, and snow will affect the power generation of photovoltaic cells, which will cause the output of photovoltaic cell power generation systems to drop and cause large fluctuations in power load.
④The limitation of conversion efficiency. Compared with the conversion efficiency of traditional energy sources (mineral energy, petroleum, hydropower, nuclear energy, etc.), the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells is too low.
Due to the limitations of solar energy density, climatic conditions and conversion efficiency, in order to meet the demand for electricity, the amount of photovoltaic cells has to be increased. In this way, not only the battery consumption is large and the area occupied is large, but also the construction investment is large, and the use cost is also high. This is one of the most important factors hindering the development of photovoltaic cell power generation.
