Photovoltaic array

Photo of solar panelsEvery day, the sun delivers energy to the earth free of charge. Thanks to a technology called photovoltaics, which converts the sun's energy into electricity, we can use this free energy.

UTM has installed a Photovoltaic solar array on the exterior wall of the South Building (near the flagpole: see above picture), which will generate electricity whenever the sun shines. There are thirty five photovoltaic modules and each is rated at 155 watts. A 5 kilowatt inverter changes the direct current to 60 Hertz alternating current. Electricity from the solar system combines with incoming power from Enersource Corporation (our local electrical utility company) and is then fed to the university's electrical loads.

Each of the thirty five modules in the solar array is composed of individual photovoltaic cells wired in series. Photovoltaic cells are semiconductor devices that convert light into electricity. The electric current is directly proportional to sunlight. A five-by-five inch cell will produce a five ampere current in bright sunlight. The voltage across a silicon crystal cell is half of a volt. Cells are connected to produce a module operating voltage of approximately 17 volts. The modules, in turn, are connected in groups of five to produce a system voltage of 85 volts DC.

Visitors and members of the UTM Community are also able to watch in "real-time" the performance of the photovoltaic array via an active display installation in the Meeting Place of the South Building.

The first practical use of photovoltaics was to provide power for space satellites. Applications have extended to earth since the late 1970s.

More than nine thousand megawatts of photovoltaic power have now been installed around the world, providing electricity for electronic equipment, water pumps, remote homes, etc.

Photovoltaics has many attributes:

  • No CO2 emissions
  • Low maintenance
  • Renewable source of electricity

Since photovoltaics is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to generate electricity, it is now being installed as a source of utility power. Photovoltaics can also be located within metres of the user and can be installed on rooftops, used in the form of canopies or, as in UTM’s case, integrated into the building façade.

Photovoltaics will become an important source of “green power” in Ontario’s future electricity supply.