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 conjigurations are discussed and a classif cation based on
photovoltaic (PV) system rating is provided. Modeling, design,
and economic Considerations are briefly discussed. Synopses of
typical operating systems in the lhited States, Japan, and in
selected European countries are inihded. The worldwide status
of PV system technology is discussed with a view to making an
assessment of the future. The assessment presented includes some
spec@ areas for further research and development. Although no
major technical barriers are evidentjor 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 (f growth may depend on severul
exogenous factors such as cost of coriventional energy sources and
the people’s desire to improve the global environment.
I. INTRODUCTION
One-hundred-and-fifteen years passed since the discovery