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Solar PV – How Solar PV Works
Solar energy used for electricity is called solar electric or photovoltaic (PV).
Photovoltaic panels consist of photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity throughout the day. They do so by absorbing photons of light and converting those into electrons, which produces a direct current (DC) power.
Because all of our appliances use alternating current (AC) electricity, the electricity must be converted from DC to AC through a critical piece of equipment called an inverter.
Solar panels are connected together to form an array that varies in size for every building. Your installer will help determine the appropriate size system. On average, solar panels produce 10 watts per square foot.
Solar panels are generally installed on the roof. On a flat roof, as is typical in the city, panels may be installed at an angle of up to 30 degrees to increase efficiency.
Innovations in technology are generating new ways of installing solar panels. Thin-film technology uses much less silicon, is flexible, and can be mounted on just about any surface, allowing for a whole variety of solar collecting possibilities.
