When they’re researching solar power for the home, they’ll come across the term solar PV or photovoltaic. So what does that mean?
The photovoltaic effect is the process that creates voltage or electric current by exposure to light. Photo means light, and voltaic means volts or electricity. A solar panel is made up of photovoltaic cells made out of a silicon semiconductor.
Differentiate from solar systems
The solar panel system then converts that electricity into current that can be used by their house
When these special silicon cells are exposed to light, they generate electricity. The solar panel system then converts that electricity into current that can be used by their house.
Saying solar PV is one way to differentiate from solar thermal systems that are used to heat water. The water heater systems don’t use the photovoltaic effect. Instead, they use a liquid similar to antifreeze to transfer heat from the sun to the water to make hot water.
Photovoltaic effect
In a solar PV system, the photovoltaic effect means that when light strikes the surface of the solar cell, electrons become energized and start moving around. The solar cell is designed to make the electrons move in one direction.
When they get enough of these electrons moving, they have direct current (DC) electricity, like from a battery. Then the inverter for the solar panels converts the DC into alternating current or AC electricity that the house uses.
photovoltaic effect
Ever gotten a sunburn on a cloudy day? The photovoltaic effect works the same way
Ever gotten a sunburn on a cloudy day? The photovoltaic effect works the same way. The solar panels will generate reduced power even on cloudy days because the UV light still gets through the clouds.
That’s why European countries like Germany have invested so much in solar power. They know solar power still works even when they can’t see the sun.
bifacial solar panels
This is also true for bifacial solar panels, which capture sunlight from both sides to maximize energy generation.
So with some help from a highly ethical solar installation company like Harmon Solar in Phoenix, they can tap the sun for free electricity. Harmon Solar has installed thousands of solar panels, so they understand the science behind it all. That way they don’t have to.
