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 through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.

Solar Radiation

Solar radiation is light – also known as electromagnetic radiation – that is emitted by the sun. While every location on Earth receives some sunlight over a year, the amount of solar radiation that reaches any one spot on the Earth’s surface varies. Solar technologies capture this radiation and turn it into useful forms of energy.

What is photovoltaic (PV) technology and how does it work?

Photovoltaic (PV) panels and other devices convert sunlight into electrical energy. A single photovoltaic (PV) device is known as a cell. Solar cells are made of silicon. Every time photons hit the silicon, they transfer energy to loose silicon electrons. Those loose electrons are then channelled into an electric current. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels generate direct current, or DC, electricity. DC is great for powering small devices. In fact, flashlights and other battery-powered devices use DC. But DC is expensive to transmit over long distances. That why homes and power grids use alternating current or AC.

To boost the power output of photovoltaic (PV) cells, they are connected together in chains to form larger units known as modules or panels. Modules can be used individually, or several can be connected to form arrays. One or more arrays is then connected to the Inverter which converts DC Current to AC Current. Because of this modular structure, photovoltaic (PV) systems can be built to meet almost any electric power need, small or large. To cater for the night when there is no sun, battery storage can be connected to the solar array to be charged during the day and used at night. I circumstances, extra energy can be exported into the main electrical grid which can be a good source of income.