Another popular field we are engaged in is Photovoltaic and Solar Systems Design & Development. Photovoltaic systems are electrical & electronic systems that convert light to electricity. The source of light is the Sun in most cases. The design and development of photovoltaic systems can be carried out in an effort to build a device that can function without the need to be plugged into a power outlet or without the need to frequently change batteries. Devices and machines used in remote areas may need to be photovoltaically powered. Photovoltaic systems can produce their own electrical energy. On the other hand, some photovoltaic systems operate in areas where there is electrical power available. These systems are built and installed for purposes of generating electric power rather than consuming electric power from the grid. Such power generating photovolatic systems can be used to produce enough power to light an entire warehouse or shopping mall, or the lights of a parking lot when it becomes dark. Power generated by such photovoltaic systems is generally stored in special batteries during the day when it is bright outside and used when needed, such as in the dark hours. Some photovoltaic systems generate sufficient power to feed the owner of the system and even produce extra power which can be sold back to the utility company. In other words, some people and companies produce photovoltaic electric power, sell it and generate cash. Also keep in mind that not all solar systems are based on the photovoltaic principle. Some systems are designed based on thermal heating such as most solar water heaters installed on rooftops, or large scale solar heat generators that collect reflected solar light from many mirrors all redirected to a particular center where all beams collectively heat the water inside a container, to produce steam which eventually drives a steam engine. The design and development of photovoltaic and solar systems may incorporate more complex components such as solar concentrators, solar mirrors, solar trackers....etc. Solar trackers for example are mechanically moving devices that move according to the movement of the Sun and make sure that the photovoltaic panels are oriented facing the Sun so that they can receive as much sunlight as possible to maximize electrical power generation. 

 

The subject of solar cell design is a multidisciplinary field that requires a strong understanding of semiconductor physics, carrier generation, recombination, band gaps, material science, optics.....etc. On the other hand, the design of larger more complete systems requires experience in free space optics and electrical engineering. System designers must consider optimizing the system. This means achieving high energy conversion efficiencies which is a measure of how efficiently the incoming beams from the Sun are converted into electrical energy. A good designer will choose suitable materials with minimum optical losses and will design so that more of the Sun's light is directed onto the solar cells or solar devices. Depending on available area, weight, application, location, budget....etc, different materials and designs can be preferred.

 

For any projects involving the design, testing, troubleshooting or research & development of photovoltaic devices and solar systems, contact us and our World class photovoltaic and solar power systems designers will help you.

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AGS-Engineering’s worldwide design and channel partner network provides a channel between our authorized design partners and our customers in need of technical expertise and cost-effective solutions in a timely manner. Click the following link to download our DESIGN PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM brochure.