How Solar Works

Definition of Photovoltaic's

PHOTO, Light, “photons” or units of the sun’s energy

…VOLTAICS, the generation of electricity (after “Alexander Volta”, who discovered electromotive force)

Photovoltaic Basics

•A solar (PV) cell is one that converts sunlight to electricity.

•PV cells perform this conversion without any moving parts, noise, pollution, radiation, or maintenance. PV cells are made of a semiconductor material which is treated to create a positive charge layer and a negative charge layer.

• When sunlight strikes a PV cell, an electron is dislodged. These loose electrons are gathered by wires attached to the cell, forming an electrical current.

What does a 100kw PV system mean?

•As the sun rises the photovoltaic cells begin to produce electricity at a low level

•At noon a 100kW system is producing at its optimum output

•Example: In California the average is 5 peak sun hours a day

•Therefore, we could say that this 100kW system produces 500kWh/day (100kW x 5 hours = 500kWh) on average

•Depending on your energy usage profile a 100kw system could produce all or part of your total energy needs