Photovoltaic solar energy operation
How do photovoltaic plants work?
Iberdrola projects Engenharia Photovoltaic energy
Photovoltaic solar energy is obtained by converting sunlight into electricity using a technology based on the photoelectric effect. It is a type of renewable, inexhaustible and non-polluting energy that can be produced in installations ranging from small generators for self-consumption to large photovoltaic plants. Discover how these huge solar fields work.
How photovoltaic solar energy works, in 3D.
The Campo Arañuelo complex (Cáceres) is one of Spain's most innovative clean energy projects with its three photovoltaic plants and battery storage system.
What is photovoltaic energy and how does it work?
Photovoltaic solar energy is a clean, renewable source of energy that uses solar radiation to produce electricity. It is based on the so-called photoelectric effect, by which certain materials are able to absorb photons (light particles) and release electrons, generating an electric current.
A semiconductor device called photovoltaic cell is used for this purpose, which can be made of monocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous silicon, or other thin-film semiconductor materials. The cells made from monocrystalline silicon are obtained from a single crystal of pure silicon and achieve maximum efficiency, between 18 % and 20 % on average. Those made from polycrystalline silicon are made in blocks from several crystals, so they are cheaper and have an average efficiency of between 16 % and 17.5 %. Finally, those made from amorphous silicon have a disordered crystalline network, which leads to a lower performance (average efficiency between 8 % and 9 %) but also a lower price.
Types of photovoltaic plants
There are two types of photovoltaic plants: those that are connected to the grid and those that are not. Within the former there are two sub-classes:
- Photovoltaic power plants: all the energy produced by the panels is fed into the electricity grid.
- Generator with self-consumption: part of the electricity generated is consumed by the producer (in a dwelling, for example) and the rest is discharged onto the grid. In addition, the producer takes from the grid the energy needed to meet their demands when the unit does not supply enough.
These grid-connected installations have three basic elements:
- Photovoltaic panels: these are groups of photovoltaic cells mounted between layers of silicon that capture solar radiation and transform the light (photons) into electrical energy (electrons).
- Inverters: they convert the direct electrical current produced by the panels into alternating current, suitable for consumption.
- Transformers: the alternating current generated by the inverters is low voltage (380-800 V), so a transformer is used to raise it to medium voltage (up to 36 kV).
Off-grid facilities operate in isolation and are often located in remote locations and on farms to meet lighting demands, support telecommunications and run pumps in irrigation systems. These isolated plants require two additional elements to function:
- Batteries: to store the energy produced by the panels that is not used when it is generated, the stored energy can then be used when needed.
- Controllers: to protect the battery from overcharging and prevent inefficient use of the battery.
Operation of a photovoltaic plant
HOW DO PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS WORK?
- 1 Thanks to the photoelectric effect, the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun is converted into electrical energy.
- 2 Photovoltaic panels are formed from cells that absorb light particles (photons) and release electrons or direct electric current.
- 3 The continuous electrical energy produced by the panels is converted into alternating current by the inverters.
- 4 Transformers raise the electricity to a medium voltage (up to 36 kV).
- 5 The alternating electric energy, now suitable for consumption, is distributed along transmission lines.
SEE INFOGRAPHIC: How do photovoltaic power plants work? [PDF] External link, opens in new window.
Find out about the process in detail
ADVANTAGES OF PHOTOVOLTAICS
Advantages of photovoltaic energy.
- It is a 100 % renewable, inexhaustible and non-polluting type of energy that does not consume fuels or generate waste, which is why it contributes to sustainable development.
- It is modular, so it can be used in installations ranging from huge photovoltaic plants on the ground to small roof panels.
- It enables the installation of batteries for storing excess electricity that can be put to a later use.
- It is a system particularly suitable for rural or isolated areas where power lines are not available or are difficult or expensive to install, or for geographical areas that receive many hours of sunshine per year.
- It contributes to creating green jobs and boosting the local economy through cutting-edge projects.
Iberdrola, spearheading photovoltaic solar power
We are leaders in solar energy.
In keeping with the our pledge to combat climate change, Iberdrola Group is wagering on renewables to drive the energy transition and the much-needed decarbonisation and electrification of the economy. The Group plans to invest 15.5 billion euros in renewables by 2026, of which 18% - 2.79 billion euros - will go to solar photovoltaics.
Photovoltaic solar generation is a core focus for the company. According to data from the Fiscal Year 2023 Results Presentation, Iberdrola has 5,953 MW of photovoltaic capacity. The company has the largest photovoltaic plant operating in Europe, Francisco Pizarro (Cáceres), with a capacity of 554 MWp and the largest installed by Iberdrola in the world.