Genealogy

Home solar panels are technically called photovoltaic cells
or modules. They are specifically designed to convert sunlight into
electricity.

Photovoltaic cells
or PV cells are made of a type of semiconductor, usually silicon. The chemical
structure and the semi-conductivity of silicon make it perfect for converting
light energy into electricity.

As light
rays or photons hit the PV cells, the energy in the photons work to dislodge
and release electrons that are part of the silicon’s atoms. It’s the
crystalline structure of a certain type of silicon that allows for the ease of
dislodging of electrons. Once the electrons are released, the electric fields
built into the PV cells cause the electrons to flow in a specific direction,
thus creating an electric current. The product of the electron’s current and
the voltage created by the electric field is called “power” or load, and is
measured in Watts.

Photovoltaic
panels generate DC or direct current. The current is then passed through an
“inverter” to convert into AC or alternating current, which is used by most
households.