S o l a r E n e r g y
PV Technology is the Future
What is photovoltaic (PV) technology and how does it work? PV materials
and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. A single PV device
is known as a cell. An individual PV cell is usually small, typically
producing about 1 or 2 watts of power. These cells are made of different
semiconductor materials and are often less than the thickness of four
human hairs. In order to withstand the outdoors for many years, cells
are sandwiched between protective materials in a combination of glass
and/or plastics.
To boost the power output of PV cells, they are connected together in
chains to form larger units known as modules or panels. Modules can be
used individually, or several can be connected to form arrays. One or
more arrays is then connected to the electrical grid as part of a
complete PV system. Because of this modular structure, PV systems can be
built to meet almost any electric power need, small or large.