What is a solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) system?
The terms photo, or light and voltaic, or volts, are combine to mean light into electricity! These systems work any time the sun is shining. If positioned properly with regard to the sun’s angle in the sky they can produce a maximum amount of power. Looking at A in the diagram, PV panels use the sun’s light rays to free electrons in the semi-conductor material in the panel. The PV panel is made up of several solar cells connected to make a module or panel. Several modules are connected in series to form a string. Maximum string size is based upon the maximum voltage supported by the inverter. Strings are wired in parallel and then connected to the inverter. These electrons flow as DC current to B, the inverter. The inverter changes the DC into AC current that can be used by household appliances. Depending on how much electricity is needed by the home, the inverter power goes into the home or through C, the net meter, and onto the grid as a credit to your power bill! Most homes are conn
