Turning Sunlight into Electricity: the Photovoltaic Effect

The term “photovoltaic,” commonly referred to as PV, is derived from a combination of “photo,” the Greek word for light, and “Volta,” the name of the Italian physicist, Alessandro Volta, who invented the chemical battery in 1800. The PV effect is the direct conversion of solar energy into electricity. Photovoltaic modules (also called solar panels) are made up of a series of solar cells connected together, laminated & framed to make a solar module. It is the combination of one or more solar modules with appliances that compose a solar electric system.

PV systems can provide you with a safe, reliable, maintenance-free and environmentally friendly source of power for a very long time. Here are some of the other benefits of solar energy:

• Dependable source of power: Good solar resource is abundant everywhere
• Durable: Most modules on the market today come with warranties exceeding 20 years, and will perform much longer
• Requires no fuel to operate (just free sunshine)
• Provides power freedom
• Helps create local jobs where the power is generated
• Stabilized cost of power: Can shelter users from energy market swings
• Can provide power in remote areas
• Can help significantly reduce battery replacement costs (maintenance)

To find out more about solar energy, please visit these useful links:

National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Photovoltaic Systems: A Buyer´s Guide