Abstract
We are increasingly seeing a rise in the use of photovoltaic panels, or solar panels, as a source of electrical energy. Australia is uniquely situated for use of solar power as it has the highest solar radiation per square metre of any continent in the world. A solar panel exposed to sunlight generates both electricity and heat. The characteristics and operation of these devices are strongly dependent on temperature. Typically, in a solar panel most of the incident sunlight is converted into heat with about 15 to 25 per cent being converted to electrical power, depending on the panel’s quality and efficiency. If the solar panel’s temperature rises too high, this can cause the panel to produce a lower voltage and decrease the power it produces.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Physics |
Subtitle of host publication | First Australian and New Zealand Edition |
Publisher | John Wiley & Sons |
Chapter | 13 |
Pages | 347-367 |
Volume | Milton, QLD |
Edition | 1st |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780730382911 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780730382881 |
Publication status | Published - Oct 2020 |