The job of solar photovoltaics (PV) is to harness sunlight to generate electricity. In order to do this, solar photovoltaic devices, called cells, are used, which are contained within solar panels, also called photovoltaic panels, or modules.

How dose photovoltaic(PV) technology works? PV materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. A single PV device is known as a cell. An individual PV cell is usually small, typically producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. They contain a material capable of conducting electricity once the sunlight provides energy. This material is typically silicon and acts as a semiconductor. By “semi,” we mean the material conducts electricity more than an insulator, but less than a metal. In order to withstand the outdoors for many years, cells are sandwiched between protective materials in a combination of glass and/or plastics.

To boost the power output of PV cells, they are connected together in chains to form larger units known as modules or panels. Modules can be used individually, or several can be connected to form arrays. One or more arrays is then connected to the electrical grid as part of a complete PV system. Because of this modular structure, PV systems can be built to meet almost any electric power need, small or large.

Solar modules and arrays are just one part of a PV system. Systems also include mounting structures that point panels toward the sun, along with the components that take the direct-current (DC) electricity produced by modules and convert it to the alternating-current (AC) electricity used to power all of the appliances in your home.