What is a photovoltaic (PV) system?
Photovoltaic (PV) systems (or solar electric systems) use PV cells to convert sunlight into direct current (DC) electricity. PV cells are made from silicon and were originally developed to power spacecraft and space stations. The cells come wired together in panels that typically measure about 4 feet by 1 foot by 1.5 inches deep. A group of panels mounted on a frame is called a PV array.
