Photovoltaics - what, why, how and who can do it?

Photovoltaics is a scientific field. It deals extensively with the conversion of sunlight into electricity, producing electricity from solar radiation.

Photovoltaics are finding their way into applications despite the high costs. It is very important for environmental, but also practical, reasons.

How are photovoltaic panels made? 

The main raw material used in production is silicon wafer, but necessarily crystalline. A single panel is capable of generating up to almost 7 volts of current. To increase the effects, the panels are combined in modules. One of the greatest advantages of the panels is their lifespan, which is predicted to be guaranteed for up to 25 years.

What are photovoltaic cells made of?

They are usually made of silicon, which changes from an insulator to a conductor through energy. It all depends on the degree of ordering of the crystalline structure of the silicon. We can distinguish between three varieties of cells:

• Monocrystalline cells - constructed from silicon with a highly ordered structure devoid of numerous defects. This type of silicon has the highest efficiency in converting solar energy into electricity.
• Amorphous cells - in this case, the silicon is not in crystal form and its structure is very chaotic and has a lot of defects, which contributes to the low efficiency of the modules.

Where are photovoltaic cells used?

In single-family homes, of course, but in addition to this, they are used in traffic lights, signal buoys. Photovoltaic cells also work very well in consumer electronics such as calculators, garden lamps, traffic sign lights, but also in powering telemetry systems in natural gas, oil or electricity metering stations.

Weather resistance?

Photovoltaic panels that are of good quality can withstand high temperatures and freezing temperatures. Heavy rainfall or hail will not prevent them from supplying electricity efficiently.

In order to determine the hail resistance of the panels, a special certificate IEC 61215 has been created. This means that panels which have this certificate are able to withstand 25 mm hail balls, which corresponds to hail resistance class 2. All panels sold in Poland and throughout the European Union have this certificate and are therefore hail-proof.

A specially conducted report certified that thunderstorms and hailstorms cause a slight decrease in power, it is only 10%, but the total system power decreases by less than 1%.

How does it work - how does energy from the sun get into our sockets?

The current that has been created in the modules raffles off to an inverter. Its task is to convert the current into alternating current, which has the same parameters as those in our sockets. Another task of the inverter is to control the operation of the photovoltaic installation, meaning that it continuously adjusts the parameters of the generated current to the parameters of the home grid, and in addition shuts down when it detects any failure.

Is it worth taking a job as a photovoltaic installer? What duties await him/her?

No doubt about it. The high demand for this type of service offers job prospects for at least a few years.

The photovoltaic installer is a new profession on the market, certainly not everyone knows exactly what it entails. Let's start by adapting the building, it can be residential, construction or even a sile or beauty salon. It must be ready to receive solar energy and convert it into electricity. The fitter has to install the solar panels in the right way, connect them to the inverter and connect it to the home's electrical system.

Simple, enjoyable - plus it's economical and contributes to looking after the planet.

What education and qualifications are needed?

Education in this case is not relevant, unlike qualifications. A photovoltaic fitter should have a UDT (Office of Technical Inspection) certificate, which will be valid for 5 years. An SEP category E and D licence is also necessary. These are authorisations that allow you to work with live equipment. In addition, it is still important to take a course as a photovoltaic fitter and to pass the final state examination.

Technical and general construction knowledge can be very useful. The installer, when installing the panels, interferes with the roofing - he should know how to do it properly. It is also worth making sure that we can work at heights; this skill and the absence of contraindications are essential, as most photovoltaic installations are roasted on roofs.

 Could the profession of photovoltaic fitter be the profession of the future?

The use of renewable energy sources is increasingly popular. Greening and caring for the planet is increasingly seen among young people as well as companies. As part of caring for the climate, there are plans to phase out coal altogether. Despite this, electricity prices are not falling, quite the opposite - which is why many households have already decided to install photovoltaic panels. This real saving keeps expenses under control.

This demand will grow, so the need for photovoltaic pallet installers will also grow.

What are the wages of a photovoltaic installer?

It is an interesting point that as demand increases, so do the applicants. However, as in all industries, wages in taj depend on a number of factors. In the fitter's profession, the most important are:

• Experience
• Qualifications - a novice fitter can assist an experienced fitter and gradually gain qualifications
• Form of employment
• Province
• Possible bonuses

This all adds up to a potential salary and varies depending on the activities performed. It is also worth bearing in mind that this is seasonal work, in which case the contract is signed for an indefinite period, or an assignment for several months.

Are photovoltaic installations really safe for the environment?

Photovoltaic installations make use of the inexhaustible energy source of the sun. What does this mean? Namely that the use of the sun's resources will never cause it to run out. There will always be the same amount of sunshine and it will always shine just as brightly. An additional plus is that photovoltaics emit absolutely no harmful substances or liquids into the atmosphere. The installations do not make any sounds from themselves, so they do not disturb either humans or animals, and they do not consume other resources. Once laid, they stay for 25 years, and only lower electricity bills will remind us of them.