What are solar cells, solar modules, and photovoltaic arrays?
A solar cell or photovoltaic cell is a device that converts light energy into electrical energy by the photovoltaic effect. Assemblies of cells are used to make solar modules, which may in turn be linked in photovoltaic arrays.Solar cells have many applications. Individual cells are used for powering small devices such as electronic calculators. Photovoltaic arrays generate a form of renewable electricity, particularly useful in situations where electrical power from the grid is unavailable such as in remote area power systems, Earth-orbiting satellites and space probes, remote radiotelephones and water pumping applications. Photovoltaic electricity is also increasingly deployed in grid-tied electrical systems.
