What is solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation?

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power generation is the process of converting energy from the sun into electricity using solar panels. Solar panels, also called PV panels, are combined into arrays in a PV system. PV systems can also be installed in grid-connected or off-grid (stand-alone) configurations.

How does solar PV energy work?

Let’s break down the process of how solar PV energy works in a simple, step-by-step way: Sunlight Hits the Solar Panels: The process begins when sunlight reaches the solar panels installed on a roof or a solar farm. These panels are made up of smaller units called solar cells, typically composed of semiconducting materials like silicon.

How are solar panels used in PV systems?

Solar panels used in PV systems are assemblies of solar cells, typically composed of silicon and commonly mounted in a rigid flat frame. Solar panels are wired together in series to form strings, and strings of solar panels are wired in parallel to form arrays.

What is a photovoltaic (PV) cell?

A photovoltaic (PV) cell, commonly called a solar cell, is a nonmechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Some PV cells can convert artificial light into electricity. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy.

What is a photovoltaic solar system?

The term “photovoltaic” might sound like a mouthful, but it essentially means converting light (photo-) into electricity (-voltaic). PV solar energy uses semiconducting materials, most commonly silicon, to capture the sun’s energy and turn it into a reliable power source. Now, why is this so important?

How do solar photovoltaic cells work?

Solar photovoltaic cells are grouped in panels, and panels can be grouped into arrays of different sizes to power water pumps, power individual homes, or provide utility-scale electricity generation. Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (copyrighted)