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How Solar Works The basic building block of a solar electric system is the photovoltaic (PV) material. The PV material is typically made out of specially treated silica semiconductor material. The cells generate electricity whenever photons (sunlight) strike the PV material and move loosely-held electrons. Solar electric systems work any time the sun is shining, but more electricity will be produced when the sun’s rays are brighter and strike the solar electric cells directly (perpendicular to the solar electric cell’s surface). Unlike solar systems for heating water, solar electric technology generates electricity, not heat. A solar electric module (also known as a ‘panel’) is made up of many PV cells that are wired together in a series to achieve the desired voltage. A solar electric system, which is tied to the electric provider’s distribution grid (or "grid-tied"), consists of solar electric modules connected to an inverter and tied into your site’s electrical service. The inverter changes the direct-current (DC) of electricity created by the solar electric modules to alternating current (AC). The AC current is compatible with the electric provider’s grid, and is able to power devices such as lights, appliances, computers and printers. When excess power is produced by the solar electric system, it can be put back onto the electric grid. Benefits of solar electric systems: Learn more from U.S. Department of Energy & Renewable Energy - Photovoltaic Basics Focus On Energy Solar Fact Sheets and Case Studies * Some content courtesy of Wisconsin Focus on Energy The Environmental Benefits The solar resource is massive, dwarfing any other energy resource on the planet. The amount of sunlight that strikes the earth in one minute could supply the world’s energy needs for a year. Installing a solar electric system allows you to produce your own electricity without noise, air pollution or moving parts while using a clean, renewable fuel resource. A solar electric system is really the only renewable electricity generation technology suitable for cities and neighborhoods. Benefits are felt on the local, national and global levels, as new jobs are created, energy imports are decreased and the economic impacts caused by sudden increases in the cost of fossil fuels are reduced. Most people who purchase solar electric systems are not making their decision based simply on the value of the electricity generated. Non-economic reasons for purchasing a solar electric system include: * Some content courtesy of Wisconsin Focus on Energy
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