what are solar electric (pv) panels and how do they work?

Solar electric panels are also know as photovoltaic or solar PV panels. These large, flat, rectangular panels are installed on a rooftop, usually in multiple sets. The number of solar panels added to a home or building depends on the typical daily energy usage for that structure.

Each flat panel contains multiple solar cells, which are very thin, flat wafers made of silicon that convert photons (energy units) from the sun into electrons. Electrons flow through a wire to outlets or batteries. This flow of electrons is known as electricity.

When the sun isn’t visible, traditional energy sources are used for electricity needs. On sunny days, the panels may produce more electricity than is needed in that structure. Surplus energy can be channeled to the local power grid. If a house or building generates more power than it uses in a year, that surplus is sold back to the local utility company thanks to a program known as “net metering,” and the owner receives a check for the difference.

To learn more about solar photovoltaic energy basics, visit this page on the US Department of Energy web site.