introductory

Photovoltaic (PV) technology, i.e., the technology that utilizes solar cells to convert light energy directly into electrical energy, is an important part of the modern renewable energy field. With the growing demand for energy and the increasing severity of environmental problems, the development of photovoltaic technology has received great attention worldwide. In this paper, we will discuss the development history and current status of PV technology and its future trends.

Milestones

The origin of photovoltaic technology can be traced back to the 19th century. 1839, the French scientist Edmond Becquerel first discovered the photovoltaic effect, i.e., light irradiated on certain materials will produce an electric current. 1954, the United States, Bell Labs successfully developed the first silicon solar cell, the conversion efficiency of which reached 6%, marking the birth of modern photovoltaic technology.

The oil crisis in the 1970s prompted countries to increase research investment in alternative energy sources, and photovoltaic technology began to enter a phase of rapid development. in the 1980s, the conversion efficiency of solar cells continued to improve, the manufacturing cost was gradually reduced, and photovoltaic power generation was gradually moved from the laboratory to commercialized applications. After entering the 21st century, with the progress of science and technology and policy support, photovoltaic technology has been further developed, and has become an important force in the transformation of global energy structure.

status quo

Currently, photovoltaic (PV) technology has been widely used worldwide. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), by the end of 2023, the global installed capacity of photovoltaic (PV) power generation has exceeded 1,000 GW, and PV power generation accounts for more than 41 TP3T of the total global power generation. China, the United States, India and Europe are the major markets for PV power generation.

At the technical level, the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells continues to improve. Taking crystalline silicon cells as an example, the conversion efficiency of commercialized monocrystalline silicon cells has exceeded 22%, and the efficiency record in the laboratory has reached more than 26%. In addition, new photovoltaic technologies such as thin-film cells, multi-junction cells and organic solar cells are also developing, opening up more application scenarios.

The cost of photovoltaic systems has also decreased significantly. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF), since 2010, the price of PV modules has fallen by about 801 TP3T, and the overall cost of PV systems has fallen by about 701 TP3T.This trend has made PV power generation grid parity with conventional fossil energy sources in many regions already, and even more economical.

future trends

Looking ahead, the development of photovoltaic (PV) technology will be characterized by the following major trends:

1. Efficient: Improving the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells remains an important direction for future research. Through the application of new materials, new structures and new processes, it is expected to further break through the efficiency bottleneck and reduce power generation costs.

2. Diversification: In addition to traditional crystalline silicon cells, new photovoltaic technologies such as chalcogenide solar cells and quantum dot solar cells are also developing rapidly. These technologies not only have advantages in efficiency and cost, but also can be applied to special scenarios such as flexible, transparent and lightweight, expanding the scope of application of photovoltaic power generation.

3. Intelligent: Intelligent management of PV systems will improve overall power generation efficiency and reliability. Real-time monitoring, fault diagnosis and optimized scheduling of PV power plants can be achieved through IoT, big data and artificial intelligence technologies, improving operation and maintenance efficiency.

4. Integration: Photovoltaic technology will be deeply integrated with energy storage technology and microgrid technology to build a more flexible and reliable energy system. The development of energy storage technology will solve the intermittent problem of PV power generation and realize the efficient utilization of energy.

5. Sustainability: Focus on the environmental impact of photovoltaic technology throughout its life cycle as it develops. The sustainable development of PV technology is realized by improving the recyclability of materials and reducing energy consumption and pollution in the manufacturing process.

reach a verdict

Photovoltaic (PV) technology, as a clean, efficient and sustainable energy technology, has already played an important role in the global energy transition. With the continuous advancement of technology and the sustained reduction of costs, the prospects for the application of photovoltaic power generation will be even broader. In the future, through the development path of high efficiency, diversification, intelligence, integration and sustainability, PV technology will provide more reliable energy solutions for the sustainable development of human society.