User:Amanda WellsRCBC/Solar panel

Summary
This article is about photo-voltaic modules, better known as solar panels. They utilize light energy from the sun in order to produce direct-current electricity. Modules are constructed of crystalline silicon and are framed with aluminum. They are often placed into an array rather than used individually. The number of modules in an array determines the amount of electricity that it can produce. Modules are connected in series to achieve the desired voltage output and connected in parallel to reach the desired amount of amperes. All modules are tested under standard testing conditions rather than the actual conditions of the site they will be installed. Due to this, the power output of a module may vary from the results of the standard testing conditions. The use of solar panels has increased due to the falling prices of electricity produced by solar energy. Solar panels can be used in various applications, such as being roof-mounted or ground-mounted, and be used to power things such as space stations. However, there are limitations to solar panels and the energy they can produce, such as when peak energy demands are in the late afternoon or evening when there is less sunlight.

Notes/Bibliography
=== Photovoltaic Systems (3rd Ed.) by James Dunlop === A textbook written by James Dunlop in partnership with the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (NJATC) about solar panels, their components, uses, and applications.


 * Will be using this source to add needed citations to the section titled "Performance and degradation" in the original article
 * Will also be using this source to give a citation to statements that may be "common knowledge" to professionals and those studying the field. but not common knowledge to others
 * Chapter 5 pages 131-138 discuss in detail what terms such as V mp, V oc , and I sc are and how they relate to the performance of a module
 * Chapter 5 Pages 131-138 discuss the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic and the I-V curve, which takes into account the variable factors such as the ones stated above that directly impact the performance of a module. Information such as this would benefit the article by having further information about it added
 * I-V characteristic: the basic electrical output of a photovoltaic device
 * I-V curve: The graphical representation of all possible current and voltage operating points for a photovoltaic device at specific operating conditions
 * Chapter 5 pages 139-142 discuss how temperature and operating temperature impacts the performance of a module and module degradation

Assignment 6

 * 1) Article title: Solar panel
 * 2) Key Ideas
 * 3) How solar panels function in general
 * 4) How modules perform
 * 5) The various levels of efficiency solar panels have and what they rely on the generate energy
 * 6) Technologies related to the creation of solar panels, including crystalline silicone and thin film technology, their applications, and their limitations
 * 7) Energy production and prices
 * 8) Main problems with the article that have been addressed/identified*
 * 9) The section "Performance and degradation" is flagged for most of it possibly being self-research. Therefore, additional research using reliable sources must be used in order for the section be be un-flagged and for this section to become a reliable source of knowledge. Terms in this section that were briefly mentioned must be defined and expanded upon in order to make the article as a whole a reliable source. Adding terms, definitions, and further explanations to this section of the article would provide a deeper understanding of the topic to readers.
 * 10) There is no section about the environmental effects of solar panels (both the positive and negative ones), which I believe the article could benefit from, as it could lead to further understanding of the topic.
 * 11) Why is this topic worth undertaking?
 * 12) This topic related directly to my major, as I am an Alternative Energy Technology major specializing in the use of photo-voltaic (PV) systems. By choosing this topic, it allows me to directly apply the things I have learned in my major and to reinforce this knowledge. It is also worth undertaking because I can help to contribute to a topic I am passionate about.
 * 13) What are the technological standpoints?
 * 14) The article talks about solar panel technology as a whole and how it functions, along with links that direct to other article relating to it. There are also brief mentions of how traditional power grids are not designed to handle PV systems, and how it holds the technology back (could possibly be used as another topic to be expanded upon in the article).
 * 15) What are the ethical standpoints?
 * 16) The article discusses how PV systems can be a solution to various issues, such as providing power to homes during power outages (relates to ethics as in keeping power supplied to a home or a major building such as a hospital).
 * 17) What are the societal standpoints?
 * 18) The article discusses the pricing of PV systems and how they are falling to become more widely available to the public. They also present a solution to countries with high energy prices, which can help people better afford their electricity bill.
 * 19) Which audience is influenced by the article?
 * 20) The audience most influenced by this article is the technological audience, as the article goes into detail of the technological workings of PV systems.

*Note: I interpreted Number 3 as explaining the problems I found within the article and how I would like to possibly fix them

Assignment 7 (as transferred over from my user sandbox)
The current-voltage characteristic (I-V characteristic) as defined by James Dunlop is "the basic electrical output profile of a PV device." The I-V characteristic acts as a representation of all operating points for a module of an entire PV system. The current-voltage curve (I-V curve) is a graph that shows how the current and voltage affect module output. It shows current (I) in relation to voltage (V) and how when I decreases and V increases, the power output of the module changes proportionately. The variables and parameters used in the I-V curve graph are the open-circuit voltage ( Voc ), short-circuit current ( Isc ), maximum power current (Imp), and maximum power (Pmp). The "knee" of the I-V curve is where the maximum power point, or where the current and voltage relationship begins to turn downward on the graph, of the module is found. The maximum power point can also be calculated using the formula Pmp = (Vmp)(Imp). However, the I-V curve is not only used to find the maximum power point. Any point on the line of an I-V curve is an acceptable operating condition for a module or PV device. These graphs can also give a visual representation of all the important variables that affects a module's performance. The main line of the graph is typically constructed using the variables open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current. The open-circuit voltage is found when measured with a multimeter set to measure DC voltage. The same can be done for the short-circuit current, except the multimeter must be set to measure current. Both the I-V characteristic and I-V curve are created using specified conditions, typically those of standard testing. By utilizing the basic form of an I-V curve graph, other graphs can be generated in order to visually represent the relationships between variables such as the short circuit current and the open circuit voltage, as shown in an I-V curve in relation to power. Another graph that visually represents the variables that affects the quality of module performance is the fill factor graph. The fill factor (FF), as defined by James Dunlop, is "the ratio of maximum power to the product of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current" and it represents the performance quality of the module. It is typically expressed as a percentage and uses the formula: FF = Pmp/(Voc)(Isc). For example, a module with a Pmp of 3 Watts, an Isc of 7 Amps, and a Voc of 0.6 Volts, the calculated fill factor would be 71.4%. The typical PV module (crystalline silicon) will have a high fill factor and will exceed the percentage given in the example. Comparatively, thin-film PV materials have a fill factor percentage that is slightly less than that of traditional modules. The fill factor and its related graph can be used in order to determine if the efficiency of a PV system or module has changed over time or has gone through module degradation. The graph of a fill factor also takes the shape of an I-V curve. This allows for comparison between the two graphs.

Assignment 8
Amanda Wells peer-reviewed Andrew ferdetta's article.

Assignment 9
' Note: I did not receive peer insight or feedback and will be looking into contacting Wikipedia's staff for insight from them. Any edits I make will be underlined and italicized. Most of them are grammatical and things are rewritten to make sentences more clear. '

The current-voltage characteristic (I-V characteristic) as defined by James Dunlop is "the basic electrical output profile of a PV device." The I-V characteristic is a representation of all operating points of the module and the PV system. The current-voltage curve (I-V curve) is a graph that shows how the current and voltage affect module output measured in Watts (W). It shows the current (I) of the system in relation to the voltage (V) and how when I decreases and V increases, the power output of the module changes proportionately. The variables and parameters used in the I-V curve graph are the open-circuit voltage ( Voc ), short-circuit current ( Isc ), maximum power current (Imp), and maximum power (Pmp). The "knee" of the I-V curve is where the maximum power point (MPP), or where the current and voltage relationship begins to turn downward on the graph, of the module is found. The MPP can also be calculated using the formula Pmp = (Vmp)(Imp). However, the I-V curve is not only used to find the maximum power point. Any point on the line of an I-V curve is an acceptable operating condition for a module or PV device. These graphs can also give a visual representation of all the important variables that affects a module's performance. The main line of the graph is typically constructed using the variables Voc and Isc. The Voc is found when measured with a multimeter set to measure DC voltage. The same can be done for the Isc, except the multimeter must be set to measure current. Both the I-V characteristic and I-V curve are created using specified conditions, typically those of standard testing. By utilizing the basic form of an I-V curve graph, other graphs can be generated in order to visually represent the relationships between variables such as the Isc and the Voc, as shown in an I-V curve in relation to power. Another graph that visually represents the variables that affects the quality of module performance is the fill factor graph. The fill factor (FF), as defined by James Dunlop, is "the ratio of maximum power to the product of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current" and it represents the performance quality of the module. This number is typically expressed as a percentage using the formula: FF = Pmp/(Voc)(Isc). For example, a module with a Pmp of 3 Watts, an Isc of 7 Amps, and a Voc of 0.6 Volts, the calculated fill factor would be 71.4%. The typical PV module (crystalline silicon) will have a high fill factor and will exceed the percentage given in the example. Comparatively, thin-film PV materials have a fill factor percentage that is slightly less than that of traditional modules. The fill factor and its related graph can be used in order to determine if the efficiency of a PV system or module has changed over time or has gone through module degradation. The graph of a fill factor also takes the shape of an I-V curve which allows for direct comparison between the two graphs.

Assignment 10
'Note: For this week's assignment, I decided to find more articles to contribute to my point about the I-V curve, since I edited the grammar last assignment because I did not receive peer feedback. I believe this will count as a good edit to my contribution as it will make my current writing stronger.'

New References
Application of the superposition principle to solar-cell analysis


 * More in-depth explanation of the IV Curve and the different things that affect it

Effect of Temperature by Christiana Honsberg and Stuart Bowden


 * Discusses in-depth how temperature effects the I-V Curve

Photoconverter Heating by Incident Radiation: Overheat Temperature and IV-curve Correction by Mikhail Mintairov, Valery Evstropov, Sergey Mintairov, Maxim Shvarts and Nikolay Kalyuzhnyy


 * More information about the I-V curve and temperature

I-V Characteristics by David Varodayan


 * Explains what the I-V characteristic is

From here, I would like to add more information about the I-V characteristic to my article contribution, not too much, but enough to give a better general overview of the topic and how it relates to the I-V curve. I would also like to add a small section of how temperature and module shading can affect the I-V curve, since the I-V curve is a direct reflection of the solar module's efficiency

Assignment 12
The current-voltage characteristic (I-V characteristic) as defined by James Dunlop is "the basic electrical output profile of a PV device." The I-V characteristic is a representation of all operating points of the module and the PV system. The current-voltage curve (I-V curve) is a graph that shows how the current and voltage affect module output measured in Watts (W). It shows the current (I) of the system in relation to the voltage (V) and how when I decreases and V increases, the power output of the module changes proportionately. The variables and parameters used in the I-V curve graph are the open-circuit voltage ( Voc ), short-circuit current ( Isc ), maximum power current (Imp), and maximum power (Pmp). The "knee" of the I-V curve is where the maximum power point (MPP), or where the current and voltage relationship begins to turn downward on the graph, of the module is found. The MPP can also be calculated using the formula Pmp = (Vmp)(Imp). However, the I-V curve is not only used to find the maximum power point. Any point on the line of an I-V curve is an acceptable operating condition for a module or PV device. These graphs can also give a visual representation of all the important variables that affects a module's performance. The main line of the graph is typically constructed using the variables Voc and Isc. The Voc is found when measured with a multimeter set to measure DC voltage. The same can be done for the Isc, except the multimeter must be set to measure current. Both the I-V characteristic and I-V curve are created using specified conditions, typically those of standard testing. By utilizing the basic form of an I-V curve graph, other graphs can be generated in order to visually represent the relationships between variables such as the Isc and the Voc, as shown in an I-V curve in relation to power. Another graph that visually represents the variables that affects the quality of module performance is the fill factor graph. The fill factor (FF), as defined by James Dunlop, is "the ratio of maximum power to the product of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current" and it represents the performance quality of the module. This number is typically expressed as a percentage using the formula: FF = Pmp/(Voc)(Isc). For example, a module with a Pmp of 3 Watts, an Isc of 7 Amps, and a Voc of 0.6 Volts, the calculated fill factor would be 71.4%. The typical PV module (crystalline silicon) will have a high fill factor and will exceed the percentage given in the example. Comparatively, thin-film PV materials have a fill factor percentage that is slightly less than that of traditional modules. The fill factor and its related graph can be used in order to determine if the efficiency of a PV system or module has changed over time or has gone through module degradation. The graph of a fill factor also takes the shape of an I-V curve which allows for direct comparison between the two graphs.

Assignment 13
The current-voltage characteristic (I-V characteristic) as defined by James Dunlop is "the basic electrical output profile of a PV device." The I-V characteristic is a representation of all operating points of the module and the PV system. The I-V characteristic is also a combination of multiple variables, which effects how the graphical representation of it is presented.

The current-voltage curve (I-V curve) is a graph that shows how the current and voltage affect module output measured in Watts (W). It shows the current (I) of the system in relation to the voltage (V) and how when I decreases and V increases, the power output of the module changes proportionately. The variables and parameters used in the I-V curve graph are the open-circuit voltage ( Voc ), short-circuit current ( Isc ), maximum power current (Imp), and maximum power (Pmp). The "knee" of the I-V curve is where the maximum power point (MPP), or where the current and voltage relationship begins to turn downward on the graph, of the module is found. The MPP can also be calculated using the formula Pmp = (Vmp)(Imp). However, the I-V curve is not only used to find the maximum power point. Any point on the line of an I-V curve is an acceptable operating condition for a module or PV device. These graphs can also give a visual representation of all the important variables that affects a module's performance. The main line of the graph is typically constructed using the variables Voc and Isc. The Voc is found when measured with a multimeter set to measure DC voltage. The same can be done for the Isc, except the multimeter must be set to measure current.

Both the I-V characteristic and I-V curve are created using specified conditions, typically those of standard testing. By utilizing the basic form of an I-V curve graph, other graphs can be generated in order to visually represent the relationships between variables such as the Isc and the Voc, as shown in an I-V curve in relation to power. Another graph that visually represents the variables that affects the quality of module performance is the fill factor graph. The fill factor (FF), as defined by James Dunlop, is "the ratio of maximum power to the product of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current" and it represents the performance quality of the module. This number is typically expressed as a percentage using the formula: FF = Pmp/(Voc)(Isc). For example, a module with a Pmp of 3 Watts, an Isc of 7 Amps, and a Voc of 0.6 Volts, the calculated fill factor would be 71.4%. The typical PV module (crystalline silicon) will have a high fill factor and will exceed the percentage given in the example. Comparatively, thin-film PV materials have a fill factor percentage that is slightly less than that of traditional modules. The fill factor and its related graph can be used in order to determine if the efficiency of a PV system or module has changed over time or has gone through module degradation. The graph of a fill factor also takes the shape of an I-V curve which allows for direct comparison between the two graphs.

Another factor that affects the I-V curve is the temperature of the module. When the temperature of a module increases, it's efficiency decreases. For example, the V oc of a high temperature module will show a visual decrease on a I-V curve graph, while the I sc slightly increases. This is shown by the temperature coefficient, which uses the change in temperature. When a module overheats, it affects all points of an I-V curve.

((A/N: Changes made this time around include the addition of information from my other 4 citations as well as using them to expand upon my work.))

Assignment 15/Final Submission
The current-voltage characteristic (I-V characteristic) as defined by James Dunlop is "the basic electrical output profile of a PV device." The I-V characteristic is a representation of all operating points of the module and the PV system. The I-V characteristic is also a combination of multiple variables, which effects how the graphical representation of it is presented.

The current-voltage curve (I-V curve) is a graph that shows how the current and voltage affect module output measured in Watts (W). It shows the current (I) of the system in relation to the voltage (V) and how when I decreases and V increases, the power output of the module changes proportionately. The variables and parameters used in the I-V curve graph are the open-circuit voltage ( Voc ), short-circuit current ( Isc ), maximum power current (Imp), and maximum power (Pmp). The "knee" of the I-V curve is where the maximum power point (MPP), or where the current and voltage relationship begins to turn downward on the graph, of the module is found. The MPP can also be calculated using the formula Pmp = (Vmp)(Imp). However, the I-V curve is not only used to find the maximum power point. Any point on the line of an I-V curve is an acceptable operating condition for a module or PV device. These graphs can also give a visual representation of all the important variables that affects a module's performance. The main line of the graph is typically constructed using the variables Voc and Isc. The Voc is found when measured with a multimeter set to measure DC voltage. The same can be done for the Isc, except the multimeter must be set to measure current. Both the I-V characteristic and I-V curve are created using specified conditions, typically those of standard testing. By utilizing the basic form of an I-V curve graph, other graphs can be generated in order to visually represent the relationships between variables such as the Isc and the Voc, as shown in an I-V curve in relation to power. Another graph that visually represents the variables that affects the quality of module performance is the fill factor graph. The fill factor (FF), as defined by James Dunlop, is "the ratio of maximum power to the product of the open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current" and it represents the performance quality of the module. This number is typically expressed as a percentage using the formula: FF = Pmp/(Voc)(Isc). For example, a module with a Pmp of 3 Watts, an Isc of 7 Amps, and a Voc of 0.6 Volts, the calculated fill factor would be 71.4%. The typical PV module (crystalline silicon) will have a high fill factor and will exceed the percentage given in the example. Comparatively, thin-film PV materials have a fill factor percentage that is slightly less than that of traditional modules. The fill factor and its related graph can be used in order to determine if the efficiency of a PV system or module has changed over time or has gone through module degradation. The graph of a fill factor also takes the shape of an I-V curve which allows for direct comparison between the two graphs. Another factor that affects the I-V curve is the temperature of the module. When the temperature of a module increases, it's efficiency decreases. For example, the Voc of a high temperature module will show a visual decrease on a I-V curve graph, while the Isc slightly increases. This is shown by the temperature coefficient, which uses the change in temperature. When a module overheats, it affects all points of an I-V curve.