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	Photovoltaic

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	String
	Field
	Inverter

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The electrical connection in parallel of multiple strings constitutes the photovoltaic field. In the planning phase of a PV field, some choices that will affect its functioning must be made. A fundamental choice is the one regarding series or parallel configuration of the modules, because it determines the electrical characteristics of the PV. The strings of a field can be arranged in parallel rows with the desired angle. The minimum distance between the panel rows cannot be set at random but must be such as to prevent the shadow of the front row from covering the back row. It is therefore necessary to calculate the minimum distance between rows depending on the height of the panels, the latitude of the location and the (inclination) angle of the panels.

Photovoltaic conversion, which was developed at the end of the 50s within space programs, is considered a technology that can significantly help meet the increasing global energy needs without greenhouse gas emissions.
This is why it attracts large investments, both for the construction of systems and for research and development of new materials and technologies that can reduce generation costs for each produced kWh.
Specifically, in the last few years the installed capacity worldwide, which was only 1,000 MW in the year 2000, is growing at an extremely fast rate. Major international energy agencies estimate that in 2020 the PV installed capacity worldwide will be as high as 56,000 MW, with an electricity production capable of meeting almost 2% of world demand.
Italy is not excluded from this development, since in this country distributed generation is growing at a pace that could have never been predicted just a few years ago. For example, in 2008 and 2009, about 70,000 PV systems were installed in Italy.
These plants have a limited capacity (up to 20 kW), allowing each home to become a small power station capable of meeting the needs of the family and, at the same time, to inject power in the public grid.