Solar Photovoltaic Power Generation House

What is a solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) system?

A solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) system is a system that can reliably produce electricity for your home or office. These small or distributed solar systems are often installed by home or business owners to offset their electricity costs.

How do solar photovoltaic cells work?

Solar photovoltaic cells are grouped in panels, and panels can be grouped into arrays of different sizes to power water pumps, power individual homes, or provide utility-scale electricity generation. Source: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (copyrighted)

Are home solar panels a good idea?

Despite being a leading clean energy technology, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding installing home solar panels. There are several benefits to getting solar panels for your home, like electricity bill savings and powering your home with clean energy .

Should I add a solar energy system to my roof?

You may be considering the option of adding a solar energy system to your home’s roof or finding another way to harness the sun’s energy. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solar solution, here are some resources that can help you figure out what’s best for you. Consider these questions before you go solar. See the Spanish version here.

Can a PV cell convert artificial light into electricity?

Some PV cells can convert artificial light into electricity. Sunlight is composed of photons, or particles of solar energy. These photons contain varying amounts of energy that correspond to the different wavelengths of the solar spectrum. A PV cell is made of semiconductor material.

Should I buy a rooftop solar system for my home?

Rooftop solar systems are often installed by homeowners to offset their electricity costs. Federal tax credits, and other state, local, or utility incentives can help offset the upfront cost of purchasing a rooftop solar system for your home.