Photovoltaic
Photovoltaic (PV) is an extraordinary technology. By simply converting sand into a semiconductor material that takes in sunlight, it can now absorb the energy and put it to work mobilizing a flow of electricity - the highest form of useful energy - and this all is completed without motion, pollution, or even making a sound.
Solar PV systems use an abundant energy source, the sun, to generate electricity. PV systems have no moving parts and require virtually no maintenance. When sunlight hits the solar module, the energy is converted to direct-current (DC) electricity. The DC electricity passes through an inverter, which converts it into alternating-current (AC) electricity, which the building can immediately use. When more energy is required than the PV system can produce, energy is drawn from the grid and read by a meter.
The heart of a Solar PV system is the grid-interactive inverter. The inverter takes electrical power generated by solar cells, converts it from direct current(DC) to alternating current (AC), and supplies it for household electrical consumption. Excess power generated during the daytime hours is fed back into the utility power grid. When the amount of power generated by the solar panels is insufficient for the home's needs,the system draws needed energy from the utility power network (or from an optional battery bank.
