päikeseelektrijaam

Päikeseelektrijaam, also known as a solar power plant, is a facility that uses solar energy to generate electricity. This is primarily achieved through the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels, which convert sunlight directly into electrical energy. These panels are made up of semiconductor materials, typically silicon, that exhibit the photovoltaic effect. When photons from sunlight strike the PV cells, they excite electrons, creating an electric current.

Large-scale päikeseelektrijaam are often referred to as solar farms and can occupy significant land areas. They are designed to harness sunlight over a wide area to maximize electricity production. Smaller installations can be found on rooftops of residential buildings, commercial structures, and industrial facilities, contributing to distributed energy generation. The electricity produced by a päikeseelektrijaam can be used directly by the consumer, stored in batteries for later use, or fed into the national electricity grid.

The operation of a päikeseelektrijaam is dependent on the availability of sunlight. Therefore, their electricity output fluctuates throughout the day and is affected by weather conditions such as cloud cover. Despite this variability, solar power is a rapidly growing source of renewable energy globally, contributing to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. The efficiency of PV panels has been steadily improving, making solar energy increasingly cost-effective.