ABSTRACT

Photovoltaics is the direct conversion of light energy to electrical energy. Hence the name: photo relating to light, and voltaics indicating the electrical aspect. The conversion is a direct process. Unlike other solar-based technologies, there is no intermediate thermal stage in a photovoltaic power supply. It is an electrical phenomenon, an important consideration when integrating photovoltaic power systems into buildings. This chapter discusses electrical concepts, reliability issues and relevant standards applicable to building-integrated photovoltaic (BiPV) applications.