Figure 46 Photovoltaics modules

Space heating is not an option here, as there is no space heating demand. However, it can

supply hot water as there is a demand for hot water in toilets or kitchen, hence solar

thermal collectors could be used for that. Moreover, passive system could be used as

there are no issues associated with water freezing inside the collectors and that would

help to reduce electricity consumption.

It is possible to use solar thermal energy in absorption refrigeration for air conditioning.

However, the weather conditions in Singapore make this particular system unreliable, as

it requires a constant heat supply to operate. Such systems are mostly used in areas with

constant sunshine and high temperatures. Also, they require quite a large area for the

solar collectors to be installed. A more suitable choice for our case would probably be a

vapour compression system which uses electricity generated from PVs to operate.

Solar Photovoltaics

Photovoltaic cells capture direct and diffused sunlight to convert solar energy directly into

electricity. The three main types of Si PV cells are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and

amorphous thin film, shown in Figure 45 [7]. Among three types, Monocrystalline is the

well-ordered structure, most efficient and expensive. These PV cells are put into modules,

then panels, covered with a thin layer of anti-reflection coating to minimise light

reflection [8]. PV system can be stand alone, with or without a battery bank, or grid

connected. The advantages of PV power technology are its reliability due to no moving

parts, quick installation, very low operation and maintenance costs, and no fuel is needed

[5]. It doesn’t produce noise or atmospheric pollution. It provides power generation where electricity is needed, there are no transmission losses. [13]

Figure 45 Photovoltaics modules