Report: Investigating Photovoltaic Cell for Electric Power Generation

This report investigates the application of photovoltaic cells in generating electric power, focusing on their operational principles, advantages, and current challenges. The introduction provides an overview of the research, highlighting the effectiveness of photovoltaic cells in converting sunlight into electricity and their role in storing energy for various applications, particularly in areas with unreliable power supplies. The literature review explores the concept of photovoltaic cells, their use in power generation, and the benefits of solar energy, drawing on the perspectives of various authors to present a comprehensive understanding. The research methodology outlines the quantitative approach used, including data collection through questionnaires and the selection of a sample size of 30 respondents. The data analysis section presents and interprets the findings from the questionnaires through graphs, providing insights into the respondents' perceptions of solar energy and photovoltaic cells. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, and recommendations are provided to enhance the use of photovoltaic cells in electric power generation, along with a list of references used throughout the report.

Professional Engineering
Management

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................4
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................................................6
DATA ANALYSIS.........................................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION...............................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16

Title: To investigate the use of Photovoltaic cell in generating electric power by using solar
cells.
INTRODUCTION
Overview of the research
Photovoltaic are one of the most effective means of creating the electronic energy. It does
the usage of cells which are made of solar through which the sunlight is converted into flow of
electrons and hence creates the photovoltaic effect. This is very useful form of energy as it stores
the power which can be further use to recharge the other electronic equipment’s. It is very useful
in those areas where the supply of energy is not continuous and need to be created and stored so
that it can be used further (Fonash, 2012). Although the total cost of its implementation is high
and needs much investments at the initial stages but once the installation is done it gives long
term benefits to the user. The major disadvantage of this process is that it is highly depended on
the weather and cannot be used in case if there is an absence of sunlight. It is now widely used in
the rural areas where there was no supply of electricity before. Huge plants of Photovoltaic cell
are installed which has assisted in generating electric power by using solar cells. As the energy
derived through this process is pure and free from any kind of impurities it is good for health also
and hence the use of same should be maximised in the society.
Aim: Main aim of this project is “To investigate the use of Photovoltaic cell in generating
electric power”.
Objectives:
 To develop understanding about the Photovoltaic cell.
 To identify the use of Photovoltaic cell in generation of electric power. To analyse benefits or advantages of solar energy.
Questions
 What is Photovoltaic cell?
 What are the uses of Photovoltaic cell in generation of electric power? What are the advantages of solar energy?
Rationale of the study -
The reason behind carrying out this research is that there are mixed opinion about the
usage of Photovoltaic cells for creating the power. It is important to understand the topic in detail
so that it can be understood that this innovation is beneficial for the society and by replacing it

with the traditional system overall resources of the environment can be saved (Li Zhu and Yang,
2012). The topic would be critically discussing which will help in enhancing the knowledge and
therefore will create awareness among all.
LITERATURE REVIEW
This is an important section of the research report through which a detail understanding
of the topic can be gained. Here the concern issue is analysed from the perspective of different
authors which assist in raising the knowledge. Also, as here the critical study is done the positive
and negative both the aspects are highlighted which further creates better understanding.
Theme1: Concept of Photovoltaic cells
The photovoltaic cells are great innovations in the technology as with the help of same
much increase in the overall availability of the power is made into distinct areas where earlier
there was no supply of power. These cells have the capacity of converting the natural light into
power which can be further utilised to recharge and hence this way the renewable energy is
created which is of great importance in the today era where there is limited availability of
resources. Not just the solar energy there are few other photovoltaic cells too which are capable
of translating the ultra violet rays to direct current. Sukhatme and Nayak, (2017) on contrary
talked about the disadvantages which are associated with this concept. The PV cells are not
completely friendly with the environment. There is presence of toxic chemicals as is widely used
during the production process of same. Although the impact of such substances can be controlled
but again it demands much of energy. Apart from this the total cost of installation is very high
and cannot be afforded by people in general. It is also said that the overall power of the solar
cells is low in comparison to other sources which also creates the renewable energy. It has high
dependency on the availability of sunlight and in absence of same it is of no use. Therefore, the
different authors have distinct view points on the concern topic.
Theme 2: The use of Photovoltaic cell in generation of electric power
Lewis (2016) says that the conversion of sunlight to energy is a simple process. It is done
through the solar cells by exciting electrons in silicon cells using the photons of sunlight from the
sun. a solar panel is kept where the electrons from the sun hit with it and creates power. A
complete field is created in which electrons flow generate electricity.
Theme 3: Advantages of solar energy

Camacho and Berenguel (2012) emphasis on the positive impacts and usage of the solar
energies. The panel of these energises do not contain any sort of pollutants and hence are
comparatively better for the environment. The most important benefit of this process is that it is
able to produce very clean and pure energy which is of good quality and hence is fine for usage.
Author further adds that today as pollution has become the major concern it is important that
such resources are used which do not harm the surroundings. As sun is a natural resource and
energy from same is available in abundance. With the help of solar energy concept vital use of
this resource is made which was earlier getting wasted. Kannan and Vakeesan (2016) added the
other major benefit of this concept which was total increase in the time duration for which the
energy is made available. Solar energy facilitated the user with the abundance availability of
resources. Which reduced the pressure from the other sources of electricity and hence less harm
to the resources is done therefore. Palit (2013) focussed on other advantages which are
associated with this concept of solar energy. As it is beneficial for the society and supports the
optimum utilisation of resources it is encouraged by government too. There are less taxes
imposition on its use and subsidies are provided for those who promote the use of same which
further shows how it is good for society in overall. This way the dependency on the sources from
foreign like the fossil fuels and oil has also diminished which has a direct impact on the economy
of the country. Denholm and Mehos (2014) added another favourable point to this issue and said
that investment made on this process gives returns instead of getting bills for the user. It shows
that how by one time sharing in the installation of solar plants can benefit the user. Apart from
this the author also laid emphasis on the easy installation process of this concept. It can be placed
anywhere in the bare land or an open area at the terrace. It is safe to use as unlike the traditional
energy it does not give currents. This way it is friendly for children also and can be widely used.
It stores the energies which are produced during the day time to be used during nights and hence
solve the issues specially of rural areas.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology refers as a systematic process which is opt by investigator to
gather data from different sources. In this part, different techniques and methods related to the
topic will be include which is used by researcher. As these methods helps in gathering of proper
information regarding the use of Photovoltaic cell in generating electric power by using solar
cells (Powell and Edgar, 2012). There are some methods which are useful according to this
research are explained as below:
Types of investigation: This part of research methodology is divided into two separate
section which are qualitative and quantitative. Among these investigation, quantitative method of
study will be applied because it assists in gathering of information from questionnaire. However,
quantitative method of study is not useful according to this investigation as it requires maximum
resources of investigator.
Research approach: For gathering information regarding the selected topic, quantitative
and quantitative are consider two approach of research. Among them, quantitative approach will
be applied as it supports in collecting of data from questionnaire which is easier as compare to
other method. On the other hand, for analysing information, inductive and deductive are two
approaches of research. Among these approaches, deductive approach of research will be opting
as it assists researcher by providing quantitative information about the use of photovoltaic cell in
generating electric power (Bollinger and Gillingham, 2012).
Research Philosophy: This section of research methodology is classified into two
essential parts which are interpretivisim and positivism. Among these philosophies of research,
positivism research philosophy will be used. Main reason of applying positivism philosophy as it
supports in identification of research impact and also assist them in driving of valid conclusions.
Interpretivisim philosophy is not applied for this study because it not helps in driving of valid
outcomes.
Data collection: For collecting primary and secondary data about the use of Photovoltaic
cell in generating electric power by using solar cells different sources will be used by researcher
(Mishra and Bäuerle, 2012). Questionnaire is used for collecting primary data whereas for
gathering secondary information books, journals, articles and many other publication research
relevant to the topic will be applied. As both primary and secondary source of data collection are
useful for collecting information regarding the photovoltaic cell in generating electric power.

Sampling: Probability and non-probability are sampling techniques for selection of
sample size. Among these techniques, probability sampling is used as it saves time and cost of
investigator and also help them in selection of sample size on random basis. 30 respondents will
be selected for using probability sampling. Non-probability is another technique of sampling
which is not used for selecting sample size for this research because it is time consuming
method.
Research instruments: There are various instruments of research such as interview,
market survey, observation, case study, focus group, questionnaire etc. These are effective
instruments of data collection but according to this study, questionnaire will be followed. Main
reason behind selecting questionnaire as a primary data collection as it supports investigator by
giving reliable and valid information which is mainly associated with the use of Photovoltaic cell
in generating electric power by using solar cells (Lewis, 2016). Some important and useful
questions will be prepared which are:
Q1. Do you think that Solar energy has capacity to resolve the issue of shortage of energy?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Up to an extent
Q2. In your opinion, what can be used from the following for converting energy of light into
electricity.
A) Photovoltaic cell
B) Water
C) Wind
D) Coal
Q3. Do you have any idea about function of photovoltaic cell?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Only basics
Q4. What is the most important benefit of solar energy in upcoming time?
A) Reduce pollution
B) Its renewable energy
C) Low maintenance cost

D) Diverse application
Q5 Do you think that Solar energy is cost efficient?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Do not know
Q6 ''The technology of storing solar energy can have considered as major breakthrough in
energy industry''. Do you agree with this statement?
A) Agree
B) Disagree
C) Partially agree
DATA ANALYSIS
In this section the data which is collected through the questionnaire is further processed and
presented in the form of graphs and thereafter interpretation of same is done which helps in
understanding the topic in more detail.
Q1. Do you think that Solar energy has capacity to resolve the issue of
shortage of energy.
Frequency
A) Yes 22
B) No 3
C) Up to an extent 5
Q2. In your opinion, what can be used from the following for converting
energy of light into electricity.
Frequency
A) Photovoltaic cell 20
B) Water 5
C) Wind 3
D) Coal 2
Q3. Do you have any idea about function of photovoltaic cell? Frequency
A) Yes 25

B) No 3
C) Only basics 2
Q4. What is the most important benefit of solar energy in upcoming
time?
Frequency
A) Reduce pollution 10
B) Its renewable energy 10
C) Low maintenance cost 5
D) Diverse application 5
Q5 Do you think that Solar energy is cost efficient? Frequency
A) Yes 25
B) No 3
C) Do not know 2
Q6 ''The technology of storing solar energy can have considered as
major breakthrough in energy industry''. Do you agree with this
statement?
Frequency
A) Agree 22
B) Disagree 3
C) Partially agree 5
Theme 1: Solar energy has capacity to resolve the issue of shortage of energy.
Q1. Do you think that Solar energy has capacity to resolve the issue of
shortage of energy.
Frequency
A) Yes 22
B) No 3
C) Up to an extent 4

Interpretation: The above graphs shows clearly that solar energy is capable of resolving
the problems that are associated with the energy. According to more than 50% of total
respondents it helps in better energy reserves and hence use of same should be maximised. Only
three people do not agree with the same statement and remaining 4 believes that it is although
mitigating the issues but only to an extent and not doing it completely.
Theme 2: Idea about function of photovoltaic cell
Q3. Do you have any idea about function of photovoltaic cell? Frequency
A) Yes 25
B) No 3
C) Only basics 2

Interpretation: The graph shows that maximum people are aware about the concept of
PV cells as 25 people know what is it. Remaining two people had little idea about this variety of
cells and 3 had no clue what the photovoltaic cell are.
Theme 3: Converting energy of light into electricity.
Q2. In your opinion, what can be used from the following for converting
energy of light into electricity.
Frequency
A) Photovoltaic cell 20
B) Water 5
C) Wind 3
D) Coal 2

Interpretation: In order to know what resources are of maximum use for converting
light into energy the photovoltaic cells are found to be most effective as it supported by 2.
Respondents which is good majority. Rest 5 favours water for the energy creation and 3 for wind
and only 2 supported coal for this process which is a very less number.
Theme 4: Important benefit of solar energy in upcoming time
Q4. What is the most important benefit of solar energy in upcoming
time?
Frequency
A) Reduce pollution 10
B) Its renewable energy 10
C) Low maintenance cost 5
D) Diverse application 5