The sun is the only star of our solar system located at its center. The earth and other planets orbit the sun. Energy from the sun in the form of solar radiation supports almost all life on earth via photosynthesis and drives the earth’s climate and weather. Solar powered electrical generation relies on heat engines and photovoltaics. Solar energy’s uses are limited only by human ingenuity.
Renewable energy (RE) resources have enormous potential and can meet the present world energy demand. They can enhance diversity in energy supply markets, secure long-term sustainable energy supply and reduce local and global atmospheric emissions. They can also provide commercially attractive options to meet specific needs for energy services (particularly in developing countries and rural areas), and offer possibilities for local manufacturing of equipment. In addition, the uses of RE resources have been charted specifically in many of the roadmaps of the developed countries. One of the most promising RE technologies is photovoltaic (PV) technology. Photovoltaic systems are popularly configured as stand-alone, grid-connected and hybrid systems. They are developing rapidly in the world, in both developed and developing nations. The performance of the PV system depends upon several factors, especially the meteorological conditions such as solar radiation, ambient temperature and wind speed.