Chapter 8
Solar/Electric Generation
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, the reader will be able to:
- Explain how photovoltaics (PV) create electricity from the sun
- Explain the difference in cost vs benefits of a PV system compared to a CSP system
- Discuss the Energy payback time (EPBT) of solar electric generation
- Describe energy returned on energy invested (EROEI) of solar
- Explain levelized cost of electricity (LCOE)
- Describe grid parity
- Discuss grid integration
Key Terms
- Concentrated Photovoltaic Thermal Hybrid (CPVT) System
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP)
- Energy Payback Time (EPBT)
- Energy Returned on Energy Invested (EROEI)
- Grid Integration
- Grid Parity
- International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Inverter
- Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)
- Photovoltaics (PV)
Animations
All animations are in Adobe Flash format. Click link to play. To download, right mouse click on the animation and choose Save Link As and save it to your computer.
Student Activities
Microsoft Word file format: Click activity to download. Open with Microsoft Word to edit. Save to your computer.
Cost Benefits PV (Photovoltaics) System vs. CSP (Concentrating Solar Power) System
EPBT (Energy Payback Time) of Activity 1
EROEI (Energy Returned on Energy Invested) of Activity 1
Adobe Acrobat file format: Click activity to download. Open with Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Reader to fill out. Save to your computer.
Cost Benefits PV (Photovoltaics) System vs. CSP (Concentrating Solar Power) System
EPBT (Energy Payback Time) of Activity 1