The conversion efficiency of a photovoltaic (PV) cell, or solar cell, is the percentage of the solar energy shining on a PV device that is converted into usable electricity. Improving this conversion efficiency is a key goal of research and helps make PV technologies...
Solar photovoltaic modules are where the electricity gets generated, but are only one of the many parts in a complete photovoltaic (PV) system. In order for the generated electricity to be useful in a home or business, a number of other technologies must be in place....
Welcome back. Part 1 of this primer explains how a solar cell turns sunlight into electricity and why silicon is the semiconductor that usually does it. But silicon cells have a maximum theoretical efficiency of about 32%, so researchers are exploring new materials...
Solar cells that are strung together make a module, and when modules are connected, they make a solar system, or installation. A typical residential rooftop solar system has about 30 modules. Now we can get down to business. How a Solar Cell Works Solar cells...
Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics Photovoltaic (PV) materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. Department of Energy What is photovoltaic (PV) technology and how does it work? PV materials and devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. A...
Solar radiation, often called the solar resource or just sunlight, is a general term for the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Solar radiation can be captured and turned into useful forms of energy, such as heat and electricity, using a variety of...
Solar Energy Technologies Office The amount of sunlight that strikes the earth’s surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world’s energy consumption for a full year. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either...
