GH SOLARWhat are photovoltaics?
Photovoltaic means electricity from light. Photovoltaic systems use daylight to power ordinary electrical equipment, for example, household appliances, computers and lighting. The photovoltaic (PV) process converts free solar energy, the most abundant energy source on the planet, directly into electricity.
Note that this is not the familiar solar thermal technology used for heating and hot water.
One photovoltaic cell
A PV cell consists of two or more thin layers of semi-conducting material, most commonly silicon. When the silicon is exposed to light, electrical charges are generated and this can be conducted away by metal contacts as direct current (DC).
Solar modules
The electrical output from a single cell is small, so multiple cells are connected together and encapsulated (usually behind glass) to form a module (sometimes referred to as a "panel"). The PV module is the principle building block of a PV system and any number of modules can be connected together to give the desired electrical output.
Advantages of photovoltaic modules
- PV equipment has no moving parts and as a result requires minimal maintenance.
- It generates electricity without producing emissions of greenhouse or any other gases.
- Its operation is virtually silent.