How do solar photovoltaic cells work?

Solar photovoltaic cells are grouped in panels, and panels can be grouped into arrays of different sizes to power water pumps, power individual homes, or provide utility-scale electricity generation. Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (copyrighted)

What is a photovoltaic (PV) cell?

A photovoltaic (PV) cell, commonly called a solar cell, is a nonmechanical device that converts sunlight directly into electricity. Some PV cells can convert artificial light into electricity. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy.

How do solar panels work?

When the sun shines on a solar panel, solar energy is absorbed by individual PV cells in the panel. These cells are made from layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. The PV cells produce an electrical charge as they become energised by the sunlight. This electrical charge creates a direct current (DC) of electricity.

What are the different types of solar panels?

The most common type of solar panel system used for domestic homes is PV – photovoltaic – panels. They collect energy from the sun in photovoltaic cells, which is then passed through an inverter to generate electricity. Each photovoltaic cell is made up of a series of layers of conductive material. Silicon is the most common.

How efficient is a solar PV system?

Experimental PV cells and PV cells for niche markets, such as space satellites, have achieved nearly 50% efficiency. When the sun is shining, PV systems can generate electricity to directly power devices such as water pumps or supply electric power grids.

Do solar panels generate electricity at night?

Solar panels generate no electricity at night time. Solar panels can't store energy, so you have to use the electricity they generate when the sun is shining. You need batteries to store the energy generated. These are expensive. – Solar cells convert the light from the sun into electricity.