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Photovoltaic power generation is a technology that directly converts solar energy into electrical energy using the photovoltaic effect at semiconductor interfaces. It is one of the most ideal renewable energy technologies with sustainable development characteristics.

Advantages of Photovoltaic Power Generation

1. Solar energy is abundant, inexhaustible, and widely distributed on Earth. As long as there is sunlight, photovoltaic systems can be used, regardless of location, altitude, or other factors.
2. Solar energy is available everywhere and can be supplied locally without the need for long-distance transmission.
3. The energy conversion process in photovoltaic generation is simple, directly converting light energy into electrical energy without intermediate steps or mechanical movement, avoiding mechanical wear.
4. Photovoltaic power generation does not use fuel, and it does not emit any substances, including greenhouse gases or other waste gases, making it environmentally friendly. It does not cause air pollution or noise, and it is not subject to energy crises or fuel market instability, making it a truly green and sustainable renewable energy source.
5. Photovoltaic generation does not require cooling water, and can be installed in water-scarce desert areas.
6. There are no mechanical components in photovoltaic systems, making operation and maintenance simple, with stable and reliable performance.
7. Photovoltaic systems have long lifespans, with silicon solar cells lasting 20-35 years.

Disadvantages of Photovoltaic Power Generation

1. Low energy density: Although the total energy from the Sun is vast, the Earth's surface area is large, and much of it is covered by oceans. Only about 10% of the solar radiation reaches the land, so the amount of solar energy available per unit area on land is relatively small.
2. Large land area required: Due to the low energy density of solar power, photovoltaic systems require large land areas.
3. Low conversion efficiency: The basic unit of photovoltaic power generation is the solar cell. The conversion efficiency of photovoltaic systems refers to the ratio of light energy converted into electrical energy. Currently, crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells have an efficiency of 13%-17%, while amorphous silicon cells are only 5%-8%.
4. Intermittent operation: Photovoltaic systems can only generate power during the day and cannot operate at night, unless in space where there is no day-night cycle. This makes it inconsistent with electricity demand patterns.
5. Highly influenced by climate conditions: The energy for photovoltaic generation comes directly from sunlight, which is highly affected by weather conditions. Long periods of rain, snow, cloudy days, and even changes in cloud cover can severely affect the system's power generation.
6. Strong dependence on location: Due to geographic and climatic differences, solar radiation resources vary greatly by region. Photovoltaic systems perform best in areas with abundant sunlight.