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How PV Solar Systems Work

Photovoltaic (PV) solar modules collect the sun’s energy, in the form of photons, and convert it to electricity.  The word itself describes the process: “photo” meaning light, and “voltaic” meaning electricity.

PV modules are made of thin silicon wafers called “cells”. The cells actually contain two layers of silicon pressed together: positive-type silicon and negative-type silicon. An electrical field (voltage) is produced from the opposite charges at the junction between the two layers. When light hits the cell, the electrons get excited and move in a current across the junction. This current (amperage), combined with the electrical field voltage, is electricity.

The electricity is fed into an inverter, where it is converted from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) electricity. The converted AC power can then be used by homes and businesses to run appliances, lights, computers, and machines.

Please visit the US Department of Energy website for additional information on PV technology.