Photovoltaic Systems
R. RAMAKUMAR, SENIOR MEMBER, IEEE, AND J. E. BIGGER, MEMBER, IEEE
Invited Paper
An overview of photovoltaic systems is presented including a discussion of major U.S. and international activities. After a brief review of system types and output characteristics, various system configurations are discussed and a classification based on photovoltaic (PV) system rating is provided. Modeling, design, and economic Considerations are briefly discussed. Synopses of typical operating systems in the United States, Japan, and in selected European countries are included. The worldwide status of PV system technology is discussed with a view to making an assessment of the future. The assessment presented includes some specific areas for further research and development. Although no major technical barriers are evident for the entry of PV, as the level of penetration increases, several key issues identified in this paper will need further consideration. Photovoltaics is still evolving and has not reached its full potential. It is likely to grow for decades to come; however, the rate of growth may depend on several exogenous factors such as cost of conventional energy sources and the people’s desire to improve the global environment