PhotoVoltaic Technology Comparison

1. Photo Voltaic Electricity Generation (One Sun). This uses semiconductor materials to directly convert the energy of light to electrical energy. The "One Sun" refers to the fact that light is not concentrated in this type of application. Flat solar panels are used that are generally pointed in the noon position of the sun. PV technology is likely the most common residential application of solar electricity generation. It is also one of the most expensive methods of solar electricity generation in terms of system cost per watt of power produced. Flat panel, one sun PV systems do not typically track the sun and thus have a fairly simple installation system.

2. Photo Voltaic Electricity Generation (Many Sun). This technology uses semiconductor materials to convert the energy of light into electrical energy but uses mirror or lenses to concentrate the light on the PV panels. This systems can range for low power concentrators that put 10 suns or less on air cooled PV panels, to high power concentrators that put 100s of suns on sophisticad multi-junction PC panels that are actively cooled with water or sodium. High power systems are completely the domain of power generation companies while low power systems may be within the technical ability of some more capable "do it yourselfers". All concentrated systems need to track the sun to some degree. Parabolic trough systems need only track the sun in one dimension since the trough will maintain a focal point for a solar travel along the the longitudinal axis of the trough.