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Shining Light on Solar Cells - Chapter 7: PV Systems and Costing 101

After spending the first half of the series learning about everything inside a solar panel, now it's time to learn how do we connect solar panels to the device that we want to power, forming a PV system. In this video, we learn

  • The different combinations of PV systems
  • How you as a homeowner can install solar panels at your home with a government PV scheme
  • Using the payback period method to make investment decisions in PV systems
  • How large-scale solar plant projects are evaluated using the Levelized cost of electricity (LCOE).

Updated list of SEG suppliers https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications/seg-supplier-list

Introduction to payback period https://youtu.be/YX4NoZN8YWU

Calculations by Energy Savings Trust https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/solar-installation-payback-possible-smart-export-guarantee/

Further reference materials that I highly recommend:

Luque, A. and Hegedus, S. (2003). Handbook of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-0-471-49196-5.

Other parts in this series:

I'm an R&D Mechanical Engineer from Keysight Technologies. I design mechanical components that facilitate over-the-air testing equipment. I also have a strong background in photovoltaics. I love creating STEM-related content to inspire and encourage people to pursue STEM, as well as to provide career advice to fresh grads who are looking for their first job
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