Solar Power Energy Do It Yourself Explained
Solar electric systems are also referred to as photovoltaic systems or PV and they convert the sun's energy into electricity.
Solar cells built of semiconductor materials are at the heart of the system. Sunlight is absorbed by these cells and the solar
energy moves electrons away from their atoms. This is called the photoelectric effect. These electrons then move into a
circuit that is in the cell to create current. This can even happen on a cloudy day, but not to the effect of a sunny day.
The elemental solar cell or PV will produce only a minimal amount of power. To increase the output, the cells are connected
to form panels called modules. These PV Modules can vary from 10 up to 300 watts. If more output is needed several
modules can be installed on a structure or near the ground in a rack called a PV Array.
These arrays can be arranged to constantly face South or mounted to a system that tracks the sun for maximum generation.
Because of their scalability they can be structured to satisfy any electrical need both small and large. They may be used as
a sole structure or tied into the electrical distribution grid. This Department of Energy photo displays a typical system.


