How Solar Works :: Why Solar Energy

Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology generates electricity directly from the sun’s energy. Solar or PV cells are light sensitive and can produce an electrical current in the presence of sunlight. These solar cells are the building blocks for PV arrays. Groups of solar cells are wired together to form PV modules which, in turn, are linked to form a PV array.

Sunlight frees electrons when it interacts with silicon or other semiconductor materials in PV cells. These electrons are collected to form a direct current (DC) of electricity. Inverters connected to the PV modules convert the DC current into alternating current (AC) which may then be used to power the existing electrical system in a building.

PV cells are manufactured in a variety of ways and are made from a variety of semi-conducting materials, including:

Crystalline silicon
Poly-crystalline silicon
Amorphous silicon
Cadmium telluride
Copper indium gallium diselenide
Copper indium diselenide

OUTPUT VARIES

Today's commercial PV modules can generate from 10 to 300 watts of power per panel, depending on their design specifications. The maximum amount of electricity is produced on a clear, sunny day with intense sunlight when the sun is at a direct light angle to the PV modules. PV systems work best during summer months when the sun is higher in the sky and the days are longer.

Today’s commercial PV modules can be custom-designed to the customer’s application.

Cloudy days can reduce output and no power is produced at night. That is why PV systems are typically used in conjunction with utility supplied electricity. PV systems alone are usually unable to generate all of the power a facility needs.

RELIABLE

Many of today’s solar panels are sold with warranties of 20 to 25 years, with the capability of generating power many years beyond that. With solar, the only moving part is the sun.

SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND

PV electrical systems are extremely safe and very earth-friendly. They are silent, produce no emissions, and use emission-free fuel. More than 80 percent of the world’s solar panels are made from silicon, the second most common element on the earth’s surface. Silicon is non-toxic in PV modules. A standard PV module will regenerate the energy used in its manufacturing process in less than three years.