How Solar Electric / Photovoltaic (PV) Works

Solar photovoltaic (PV) materials, such as silicon, are able to convert solar radiation to electricity. Photons striking a photovoltaic surface displace electrons, creating a current of DC electricity through a circuit. This resultant power may be diverted to batteries for storage, or to an inverter for integration with the utility grid.

Multiple PV cells are wired together electricically within a solar module (solar panel). Multiple solar modules may be connected to form an array.

• About grid-tie PV systems
• About off-grid PV systems
• About PV System Performance Factors