How Solar Panel Photovoltaic Systems Work

Photo voltaic cells use sunlight as a source of energy and generate direct current electricity a collection of pv modules is called a pv panel and a system of panels is an array.

How solar panel photovoltaic systems work. Modules are designed to supply electricity at a certain voltage such as a common 12 volts system. A module is a group of cells connected electrically and packaged into a frame more commonly known as a solar panel which can then be grouped into larger solar. It s an idea that has been around for well over a century. A pv module is an assembly of photo voltaic cells mounted in a framework for installation.

A number of solar cells electrically connected to each other and mounted in a support structure or frame is called a photovoltaic module. How do solar panels work to generate electricity. Solar photovoltaic pv panels are based on a high tech but remarkably simple technology that converts sunlight directly to electricity. Solar panels actually comprise many smaller units called photovoltaic cells.

A standard solar panel also known as a solar module consists of a layer of silicon cells a metal frame a glass casing and various wiring to allow current to flow from the silicon cells silicon atomic 14 on the periodic table is a nonmetal with conductive properties that allow it to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. Photovoltaic simply means they convert sunlight into electricity many cells linked together make up a solar panel. The solar cells that you see on calculators and satellites are also called photovoltaic pv cells which as the name implies photo meaning light and voltaic meaning electricity convert sunlight directly into electricity. In 1839 french scientist edmond becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off sparks of electricity when struck with sunlight.

When you install solar panels on your house the pv cells convert sunlight into direct current dc and an inverter connected to the system is what converts direct current into alternating current ac which is the type of current needed.