How Does Solar Photovoltaic Work?

• published: 12 Feb 2015
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Have you ever wondered how a solar electric photovoltaic system works? Here’s a quick introduction… Sunlight is made up of tiny packets of energy called Photons. Every minute, enough energy falls on earth to meet the world's energy demand for a whole year. Solar systems capture the sun's energy using Photovoltaic or PV technology. PV systems do not need direct light to work, they can generate some electricity even on cloudy days. Photovoltaic cells consist of four main components: a top layer of glass, a silicon wafer, a backing layer, and conducting materials linking each side of the silicon wafer together in a circuit. Most pv cells are silicone based - one of the most common elements on earth. The individual cell is designed with a positive and a negative layer to create an electric field just like a battery. As Photons are absorbed in the cell; their energy causes electrons to move around. The electrons move toward the bottom of the cell and exit through connecting wires. This flow of electrons is called electricity. The cells are connected in series to form a module - or panel. A series of PV panels form an array: the complete power-generating unit. When sunlight hits the PV panels it creates Direct Current Electricity. The Direct Current then flows through an inverter that converts it to Alternating Current, which is the type of electricity used in homes. From the inverter the electricity flows into the home’s existing breaker box and electric system. Solar energy powers the home in exactly the same way as electricity from the utility grid – supplying all of the every-day appliances. When excess solar power is produced by the solar system, the energy flows from the breaker box to the meter and into the utility grid. The utility company gives you credit for this power – think of it as a very large battery storing the power for you to use when you need it. At night or when there is not enough power from the sun to meet electrical needs, the power is drawn from the utility grid. Recent reductions in the cost of solar panels, now make it possible to greatly reduce or even eliminate your total electric bill. For more information and to learn how you can use solar energy to power your home or business, call Solar Direct at 800-333-9276 ★ http://solardirect.com/ ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solardirect ★ Twitter: https://twitter.com/solardirect