Solar Electric – How Does Solar Work

Solar electricity is created by using Photovoltaic (PV) technology which converts solar energy into solar electricity from sunlight. Photovoltaic systems use sunlight to power ordinary electrical equipment, household appliances, computers and lighting. The photovoltaic (PV) cell converts free solar energy - the most abundant energy source on the planet - directly into solar power.

A PV cell consists of two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When the silicon is exposed to light, electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by metal contacts as direct current (DC). The electrical output from a single cell is small, so multiple cells are connected together and encapsulated to form a module or panel. The PV panel is the principle element of a PV system and any number of panels can be connected together to give the desired electrical output.

PV equipment has no moving parts and as a result requires minimal maintenance. It generates solar electricity without producing emissions of greenhouse or any other gases, and its operation is virtually silent.