The Photovoltaic Effect
Solar panels are made of photovoltaic (PV) cells, usually silicon-based, that generate a small electrical current when sunlight strikes them.
Individual cells are wired together into a panel (module), and multiple panels are connected together to reach the desired system capacity.
From Sunlight to Usable Power
Panels produce direct current (DC) electricity. An inverter then converts this DC power into the alternating current (AC) power used by household appliances.
Output varies through the day and across seasons, depending on sunlight intensity, panel orientation, temperature and shading.
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