Production of Photovoltaic Electricity at Different Sites in Algeria

Abstract

The necessity for further growth in the demand for electricity, particularly in the remote countryside, has been essential to Algeria’s economic and social progress in recent years. The Saharan regions account for around 80% of Algeria’s surface and have significant power demands. These areas are distinguished by their scattered population, extremely hot weather with high radiation levels (7 kw h/m2/day), and minimal energy use. Photovoltaic technology is one of the finest ways to harness solar power. The conversion of radiant energy (light quanta) into electrical energy can be achieved with the use of semiconductor materials. The effects of a solar cell depend on parameters such as solar cell technology, the position of the photovoltaic array, climate, and geographic data of the site. This paper presented: the role of site choice in the production of photovoltaic electricity. The results obtained for five sites in Algeria: Ouargla, Algers, Bechar, Sidi Bel Abbès, and Batna, confirmed that desert sites (Ouargla, Bechar) have a good photovoltaic efficiency result with large solar power irradiance.

Keywords

• solar
• photovoltaic
• irradiance
• efficiency