Solar Photovoltaic Technologies

Solar Photovoltaic Technologies Utility-scale solar photovoltaic technologies convert energy from sunlight directly into electricity, using large arrays of solar panels. Solar photovoltaic technologies convert solar energy into useful energy forms by directly absorbing solar photons—particles of light that act as individual units of energy—and either converting part of the energy to electricity (as in a photovoltaic (PV) cell) or storing part of the energy in a chemical reaction (as in the conversion of water to hydrogen and oxygen). Solar Cells Solar cells are devices that convert sunlight directly into electricity. Solar cells are made of layers of semiconductor materials similar to those used in computer chips. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, the solar energy knocks electrons loose from their atoms, allowing the electrons to flow through the material to produce electricity. A brief animation titled "Sunlight to Electricity" that shows how a solar cell works is available on the Animations page of the Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Web site.